Vernon's Texas Rules Annotated - VTRA TX R HAYS CTY DIST Chapter 2. Rules of Decorum

2.1. General Provisions.  Pursuant to the judicial duty to require order and decorum in proceedings before a judge, as provided by Canon 3B (3), Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, and in compliance with Rule 9 of the Rules of Administration for the Third Administrative Region of Texas, the District Courts have adopted the following rules regarding decorum in the courtroom.  A copy of these rules shall be prominently displayed outside the courtroom of each District Court and the Family Court.

Attorneys shall advise their clients and witnesses of these rules of decorum and seek their full cooperation in observing these rules.  Self-represented parties must familiarize themselves and their witnesses with these rules.  Self-represented litigants are expected to behave with professional decorum to the Court, other attorneys, and other people involved with the litigation.  These rules apply equally to self-represented litigants and attorneys.

All District Judges and Associate Judges and all Court Staff shall have the authority to enforce these rules of decorum.

The reference to “courtrooms” in this chapter refers to both in-person and virtual courtrooms.

2.2. Conduct of All Persons.  All persons in the courtroom during any court proceeding shall be attentive to the proceedings of the Court and shall refrain from any action which is disruptive of the Court's proceeding.  When the Court is in session, all persons, before entering the courtroom, shall first remove their hats and sunglasses, and shall be seated quietly in the proper places provided.

All persons entering the courtroom must be dressed in clothing befitting the dignity and solemnity of the court proceedings.  No person should wear shorts, tank tops, flip flops, or t-shirts displaying pictures or words that are derogatory, crude, offensive, profane, or disrespectful to the court proceedings.

Absent the express permission of the judge, no children are permitted in the courtroom.

In the courtrooms, there must be:

No talking or making any other noise that interferes with court proceedings.

No talking on any electronic devices.  Any use of electronic devices during court proceedings must not be disruptive or disrespectful of court proceedings and all electronic devices must be silenced.

No photography or audio and/or video recording or streaming of the proceedings, unless in compliance with Rule 18c of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Chapter 7 of these Local Rules.

No conduct that exhibits approval or disapproval of any ruling of the Court, any testimony, or any statement or event that has occurred in the courtroom.

No chewing gum.

No tobacco use.

No eating.

No reading newspapers or magazines.

No liquids of any kind, except for a water bottle with a lid, or if provided by the Court.

No propping of feet on tables or chairs.

No other behavior that is disruptive or disrespectful of court proceedings.

2.3. Conduct of Court Officers and Self-Represented Parties.  All attorneys and self-represented parties are admonished to respect the letter and spirit of all rules of ethics including the Texas Lawyer's Creed, those rules dealing with discussion of cases with representatives of the press, television, or other media, and discussion of facts or law with a judge while not in the presence of opposing counsel.

The Judge, the attorneys, any self-represented party, and all officers of the court shall be prompt in their attendance at all sessions and in the dispatch of all court business.

All parties must promptly enter the courtroom before the scheduled time for each court session.

In the courtroom, all attorneys and court officials shall dress in keeping with the dignity required for court proceedings.  For example, all male attorneys and court officials shall wear coats and ties, except as permitted by the judge.

While the Court is in session, all remarks of counsel and any self-represented party shall be directed to the Court and not to opposing counsel or any self-represented party or informally to the Judge.

While addressing the Court, attorneys and any self-represented party shall rise and remain standing at counsel table, unless otherwise instructed by the Judge.  They shall remain seated at counsel table while interrogating witnesses, except as may be necessary to handle exhibits or demonstrative displays.

The Judge, the attorneys, any self-represented party and other court officers shall refer to other court officers and participants by using appropriate titles and surnames rather than first names.

Attorneys and self-represented parties shall not lean on the bench or engage the Judge in an informal or confidential manner except with permission of the Judge.

After jury selection, and until jurors are finally excused, attorneys and self-represented parties shall not address a juror individually or by name, except with permission of the Judge.  Except during opening statements and final argument, attorneys and self-represented parties should not address the jury.  During trial, attorneys and self-represented parties should not exhibit familiarity with the parties, witnesses, jurors, opposing counsel or the Judge.

Attorneys and self-represented parties should refrain from interrupting the Judge, opposing counsel or any self-represented party, except when necessary to protect the rights of a party or client.