Municipal Court - Basic Rules of Court Conduct
If you have been ordered to appear in court, this page will provide important information that will assist you before your appearance. This information does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal assistance, please consult an attorney.
When Appearing in Court
- Be on time
- Throw away gum, food, and drinks before entering the courtroom
- Stand when the judge enters and leaves the courtroom
- Stand when you are speaking to the judge
- Speak clearly when you respond to the judge's questions
- Always address the judge as "Your Honor"
- Never interrupt the judge. If you are unsure of what you heard, wait until the judge or other person speaking has finished talking before asking a question
- Enter and leave the courtroom quietly, so you do not disturb others
- Only approach the bench when instructed to do so
Dressing for Court
If you are appearing in court, you should dress nicely and in a
manner that shows respect for the court.
Here are some things you should NOT wear:
- Hats inside the courtroom (except those worn for religious purposes)
- Sunglasses
- T-shirts depicting violence, sexual acts, profanity, or illegal drugs
- Tube or halter tops/plunging necklines/midriffs
- Ripped or torn jeans
- Mini skirts or shorts
- Baggy pants that fall below the waist
- Muscle shirts (usually worn as undergarments)
If you are not dressed properly, you will be asked to leave the court and return at a later date. This will delay your hearing and require you to appear in court more than once.
Prohibited Item
Items that should NOT enter the courthouse:
- Weapons of any kind
- Electronic equipment such as video, voice recorders, or cameras (unless approved by the court)
- Food, beverages, chewing gum and tobacco
Children in the Courtroom
Please do not bring children to court. Please arrange for a
friend or relative to watch your children while you are in court
Cell Phones and Pagers
The use of cell phones are not allowed in the courtroom. Your cell phone
or pager must be turned off before entering so that you do not disrupt
the court. If you are required to carry a phone of pager for business
purposes, it must be placed on silent mode.
Security Precautions
Before entering the court you may go through a security checkpoint. In
most cases, you will be asked to walk through a metal detector or an
officer will use a wand to check for prohibited items. You should allow
the officer to search any bags, packages or personal belongings that
will be taken into the courtroom. If you refuse to cooperate, you may be
denied entry to your hearing.
Respect
The Courtroom is a place of order and structure. You should at all times
act in a respectful manner when in the presence of the judge, court
staff, attorneys, court officers and other persons attending court. Once
the court has made a ruling in your case, continue to be respectful as
you exit the courtroom. Attempts to disrupt the court once the judge has
made a ruling may result in jail time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is my hearing?
If you have questions about your case such as the time or date of your
hearing, you can contact the court clerk's office for assistance. You
may also ask for directions to the court.
What if I need special assistance?
If you have a disability, speak another language, or require special
accommodations in the courtroom, please call before your hearing to
allow the court time to properly assist you.
What should I do if I cannot appear
at my hearing?
If you are not able to appear in court, contact the court clerk at least
5 days before your scheduled hearing. If you do not appear at your
hearing and fail to notify the court, a warrant may be issued for your
arrest in criminal cases. You should also keep in mind that a judge may
make a ruling in your case without you being present.
This page was inspired by the joint efforts of the Georgia Commission on Access and Fairness in the Courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts' research Division. The Administrative Office of the Courts serves all classes of courts and acts as secretariat to judicial branch agencies and committees. The agency takes a leadership role in projects to improve the court system and increase system responsiveness to the citizens it serves. The agency staffs the Judicial Council and works closely with the Supreme Court of Georgia.
