Rules of Conduct for Counsel While in Trial

Criminal Courts > Felony Courts > Criminal District Court No. 2 > Rules of Conduct

 

General

  • Be on time for court.
  • Make brief objections on legal grounds.
  • Stand to object or to address the Court.
  • Typical 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.