MURPHY MUNICIPAL COURT

RULES OF COURT DECORUM

1. Under the inherent power and duty of all Texas courts as codified in Section 21.002, Government Code, the following Rules of Court Decorum shall apply and govern all proceedings before the Municipal Court of the City of Murphy, in the County of Collin, Texas, and shall be provided to all individuals requesting a court date.
2. Each daily session of the Court shall be brought by announcement of the Bailiff Clerk or other officer of the court requiring all to rise as the Judge takes the bench.
3. While the court is in session there shall be:

1. No smoking or use of tobacco products.
2. No reading of newspapers or magazines.
3. No propping of feet or sitting on tables, chairs, benches or railings.
4. No loud noises or talking.
5. No gum chewing.
6. No food or beverages.
7. No gestures, facial expressions, or sounds indicating approval or disapproval.
8. No inappropriate attire (no shorts, tank tops, halter tops, tube tops, spaghetti straps, torn or dirty clothing).
9. No backpacks.
10. No bulky coats.
11. No electronic devices unless they are turned off.
12. No cigarette lighters.

IV. Attorneys and Pro Se Defendants shall conduct themselves in the following manner:

1. Attorneys shall observe the letter and spirit of all canons of ethics, including those concerning improper ex parte communications with the Judge and with those dealing with discussion of cases with representatives of the media.
2. Attorneys shall advise their clients and witnesses of the Rules of Court Decorum that may be applicable.
3. Pro Se defendants (defendants acting as their own counsel) shall conform their behavior to all provisions applicable to Counsel, including abiding by all applicable rules of evidence and procedure.
4. Counsel shall be dressed appropriately while in attendance of the Court, unless otherwise permitted by the Court.
5. All parties shall be prompt in arriving for Court and in attending to Court business.
6. Once a party has entered the courtroom and is appearing before the Court, he/she shall not leave without obtaining permission from the Court.
7. The State, or moving party, shall be seated at the counsel table or side of the counsel table nearer the jury box.
8. All remarks of counsel to the Court shall be addressed to the Court formally.
9. The Court and opposing parties shall address each other and members of the Jury without familiarity.  The use of first names shall be avoided.
10. All objections, arguments, and other comments shall be directed to the Judge or Jury and not to opposing counsel.
11. Objection shall be in proper legal form.  Argument will not be entertained upon an objection except with the Court’s permission.
12. In addressing the Court, counsel shall rise and remain standing at their positions at counsel table.
13. Counsel shall remain seated at the counsel tables at all times except:
1. When the Judge enters and leaves;
2. When addressing the Judge or Jury;
3. Whenever it may be proper to handle documents, exhibits, or other evidence; and
4. When objecting to opposing counsel.
14. Counsel shall not approach the bench except with permission or on request of the   Court.
15. Counsel shall not lean on the bench, sit on rails or tables, or appear to engage the Court in a confidential manner.
16. No attorney or party shall expect any Court attendant to request his or her presence prior to the commencement or resumption of any Court proceedings.
17. The Court may enforce these rules of conduct and decorum by appropriate action or sanctions.
18. Nothing herein shall prevent or prohibit the further adoption of additional rules of court decorum.

V. Bailiffs:

1. The Bailiff or Bailiffs shall be present at all times when the Court is in session or in recess, unless excused by the Judge.  No duty shall be assigned to the Bailiff without prior approval of the Judge.
2. The Bailiff shall see that the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of Texas are properly displayed and respected in the Courtroom.
3. The Bailiff shall enforce all rules of conduct and decorum and other duties assigned by the Judge.