Courtroom Behavior

(a) For Attorneys. The purpose of this rule is to emphasize, not supplant, certain portions of those ethical principles applicable to the lawyer’s conduct in the courtroom; therefore, in addition to all other requirements, lawyers appearing in this Court shall adhere to the following: (1) Be punctual in attendance at court. Refrain from addressing anyone in court by first name; instead, last names should (2) be used. Refrain from leaving the courtroom while court is in session, unless it is absolutely (3) necessary, and then only if the Court’s permission has been obtained first.

At all times, counsel for plaintiff must occupy the table nearest the jury box and (4) counsel for defendant must occupy the table farthest from the jury box. Ascertain that only one lawyer is standing at a time, unless an objection is being (5) made. Northern District of Oklahoma Local Rules Page 10 of 90 Effective Date: 10/10/2024 Bench conferences will be kept to a minimum. Counsel should anticipate issues (6) which will arise during the trial and inform the Court and opposing counsel at the earliest opportunity.

Permission must be obtained from the Court to approach the bench, a witness, an exhibit, or the clerk. (7) Refrain from employing dilatory tactics. Hand all papers intended for the Court to see to the courtroom deputy who, in turn, (8) will pass them up to the judge. (9) Hand to the courtroom deputy any exhibits offered into evidence.

(10) Advise clients, witnesses, and others concerning rules of decorum to be observed in court. (11) Use the lectern when interrogating witnesses or addressing the jury, unless otherwise permitted by the Court. Appropriate exceptions to this rule shall be made for disability or infirmity. (12) Never conduct or engage in experiments or demonstrations unless prior permission is granted by the Court.

(13) Refrain from conducting a trial when they know, prior thereto, that they will be necessary witnesses, other than as to merely formal matters such as identification or custody of a document or the like. If, during the trial, it is discovered that the ends of justice require the lawyers’ testimony, they should from that point on, if feasible and not prejudicial to their client’s case, leave further conduct of the trial to other counsel. If circumstances do not permit withdrawal from the conduct of the trial, lawyers should not argue the credibility of their own testimony. (14) Avoid disparaging personal remarks or acrimony toward opposing counsel and remain wholly uninfluenced by all ill feeling between the respective clients.

Attorneys should abstain from any allusion to personal peculiarities and idiosyncrasies of opposing counsel. (15) Rise when addressing or being addressed by the Court. Appropriate exception will be made for disability or medical infirmity. (16) Refrain from assuming an undignified posture.

Counsel should always be attired in a proper and dignified manner and should abstain from any apparel or ornament calculated to attract attention to themselves. (17) At all times exemplify conduct consistent with their obligation as an officer of the Court. In making representations to the Court, know or honestly believe them to be (18) supported by fact. Any judicial officer may have additional rules of behavior.

Individual Judge’s Rules are available on the Court’s website. Northern District of Oklahoma Local Rules Page 11 of 90 Effective Date: 10/10/2024 (b) For All Persons in the Courtroom. (1) (2) No tobacco, e-cigarettes, or “vaping” in any form will be permitted at any time. No propping of feet on tables or chairs will be permitted at any time.

No water bottles or other beverage containers, bottles or cups, or edibles shall be (3) brought into the courtroom, except with permission of the marshal or courtroom deputy clerk. No gum chewing or reading of newspapers or magazines (except as a part of the (4) evidence in a case) will be permitted while court is in session. (5) No talking or other unnecessary noises will be permitted while court is in session. Everyone must rise when instructed to do so upon opening, closing, or declaring (6) recesses of court.

Appropriate exceptions shall be made for disability or medical infirmity. Anyone who appears in court intoxicated or under the influence of intoxicants, (7) drugs, or narcotics may be summarily held in contempt.