Rule 9 - Order and Decorum in CourtPursuant 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, the courts in this Region should adopt local rules on order and decorum in the courtroom. Such rules should be consistent with the following guidelines:
A. All persons in the courtroom during any hearing shall be attentive to the proceedings of the court and shall refrain from any action which is disruptive of the court proceedings. When court is in session, all persons, before entering the courtroom, shall first remove overcoats, hats, cigars, sunglasses, etc., and shall be seated quietly in the proper places provided. There shall be: 1. No reading of newspapers or magazines;2. No bottles, paper cups or beverage containers in the courtroom;3. No edibles in the courtroom;4. No propping of feet on tables, chairs or benches;5. No sitting on tables, railings, desks or arms of chairs;6. No making of noises or talking which interferes with the court procedure; and7. No walking through courtroom;8. No facial expressions, shaking of the head or any other conduct that exhibits approval or disapproval of any court ruling, testimony, or any statement or event that has occurred in the courtroom.9. No person shall sit in such a position in the courtroom, or exhibit any behavior or expression, that may either encourage or intimidate a witness.B. Conduct of Court Officers 1. All attorneys are admonished to respect the letter and spirit of all rules of ethics including the Texas Lawyer's Creed; and those rules dealing with discussion of cases with representatives of the press, television, or radio; and discussion of the facts or law of the case with the judge not in the presence of opposing counsel.2. The judge, the attorneys, and all officers of the court shall be prompt at all sessions and in the dispatch of all court business.3. In the courtroom, all attorneys and court official 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.4. While court is in session, all remarks of counsel shall be addressed to the court and not to opposing counselor informally to the judge.5. While addressing the court, attorneys shall rise and remain standing at the counsel table. They shall remain seated at counsel table while interrogating witnesses, except as may be necessary to handle exhibits or demonstrative displays.6. The judge, the attorneys, and other court officers shall refer to and address other court officers and participants by using appropriate titles and surnames rather than first names.7. Attorneys shall not lean on the bench or engage the judge III a confidential manner, except with permission of the judge.8. Attorneys shall advise their clients and witnesses of rules of proper courtroom decorum and seek their full cooperation in observing those rules.9. After jury voir dire, and until jurors are finally excused, attorneys shall not address a juror individually or by name, except with permission of the judge. Except during opening statements and final argument, attorneys should not address the jury. During a trial, attorneys should not exhibit familiarity with witnesses, jurors, opposing counsel, or the judge.10. Attorneys should refrain from interrupting the judge or opposing counsel, except when necessary to protect a client's rightsTex. 3rd. Admin. Jud. Reg. L. R. 9