Rules of Conduct for Counsel While in Trial

General

• Be on time for court.
• Make brief objections on legal grounds.
• Stand to object or to address the Court.
• Typically schedule:
  • Monday morning jury selection and hearings outside the presence of the jury in the afternoon.
  • Opening statements and testimony Tuesday afternoon, then daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as needed.
• The courtroom has a large touchscreen TV with two HDMI inputs available to both parties.

Your Client

• If your client is in custody at the time of trial, bring appropriate clothes for him to wear to the courtroom, and give them to the bailiff before the trial.
• If you are unable to bring appropriate clothing, please advise the Court no later than 24 hours prior to trial.

Voir Dire

• The Court will ask questions regarding juror qualifications, exemptions, vacations, and scheduling, along with a brief discussion of basic constitutional issues prior to the parties beginning their examination of the panel.
• Challenges for cause will be handled at the end of voir dire by both sides.
• Questionnaires and seating charts will be provided by the Court as early as possible.
• There is a large digital timer to assist the Court and lawyers in managing their time during jury selection and during argument to the jury.

Testimony

• Have your witnesses in attendance at the court and ready to testify when needed.
• Have your witnesses dress appropriately for court.
• Do not point firearms, loaded or unloaded, in the direction of jurors, witnesses, or any other persons in the courtroom.
• Ask permission to approach a witness on the stand.

Smart Board

The 396^th District Court uses an electronic Smart Board for the presentation of evidence and demonstration of exhibits by witnesses and lawyers.  Counsel is expected to have knowledge as to how to use the equipment.  The Court is available to provide training to Counsel prior to trial upon timely request.