Courtroom Conduct
The following are the rules and policies governing all divisions of DeKalb County Courts.
All parties are expected to follow these rules.
Be on time for court. Court sessions begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. Litigants should arrive at court no later than 8:30 a.m. to be processed through court security. All persons entering the courtroom for an official proceeding are subject to search.
No weapons or explosives of any kind are allowed in the courtroom. The intentional, knowing, or reckless carrying of a weapon inside any room in which a judicial proceeding is in progress is a Class E felony under Tennessee law and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. T.C.A. 13-17-1306.
Gentlemen are to tuck their shirts into their pants while in court. Pants are to be worn at the waist level.
No baseball caps or sunglasses are to be worn in the courtroom. All hats must be removed.
No revealing clothing (shorts, halter tops, etc.), bedroom shoes, or pajama tops and/or bottoms are to be worn in the courtroom.
The determination of what clothing is inappropriate will be made by the judge. Please dress in a manner that is thoughtful of others.
Children are not allowed in the courtroom.
No cell phones are allowed in the courtroom and must be returned to vehicle.
Please refrain from bringing food, drinks, newspapers or magazines into the courtroom.
Do not talk or make gestures of any kind to inmates while in the courtroom.
Make your objections briefly and on legal grounds.
Stand when objecting or addressing the bench.
When you approach the center podium when your matter is called, do not lean or slouch on the podium.
Treat litigants, probation officers, police officers and opposing counsel with respect.
Do not respond to opposing counsel’s objection unless asked to do so by the Judge.
Do not make sidebar remarks, either direct or indirect.
Do not use racist, sexist, obscene or profane language in court (unless eliciting or quoting from facts in the case).
There will be no discussion with the District Attorney’s office about plea agreements in the courtroom while court is in session.
Other rules and regulations may apply.
No weapons or explosives of any kind are allowed in the courtroom. The intentional, knowing, or reckless carrying of a weapon inside any room in which a judicial proceeding is in progress is a Class E felony under Tennessee law and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. T.C.A. 13-17-1306.
Gentlemen are to tuck their shirts into their pants while in court. Pants are to be worn at the waist level.
No baseball caps or sunglasses are to be worn in the courtroom. All hats must be removed.
No revealing clothing (shorts, halter tops, etc.), bedroom shoes, or pajama tops and/or bottoms are to be worn in the courtroom.
The determination of what clothing is inappropriate will be made by the judge. Please dress in a manner that is thoughtful of others.
Children are not allowed in the courtroom.
No cell phones are allowed in the courtroom and must be returned to vehicle.
Please refrain from bringing food, drinks, newspapers or magazines into the courtroom.
Do not talk or make gestures of any kind to inmates while in the courtroom.
Make your objections briefly and on legal grounds.
Stand when objecting or addressing the bench.
When you approach the center podium when your matter is called, do not lean or slouch on the podium.
Treat litigants, probation officers, police officers and opposing counsel with respect.
Do not respond to opposing counsel’s objection unless asked to do so by the Judge.
Do not make sidebar remarks, either direct or indirect.
Do not use racist, sexist, obscene or profane language in court (unless eliciting or quoting from facts in the case).
There will be no discussion with the District Attorney’s office about plea agreements in the courtroom while court is in session.
Other rules and regulations may apply.
DeKalb County Circuit Court | 1 Public Square - Room 201 | Smithville, Tennessee 37166
615-597-5711 | Fax: 615-597-9919 | Jury Information: 615-464-6590
Office Hours: Monday - Friday -- 8:00am - 4:30pm
615-597-5711 | Fax: 615-597-9919 | Jury Information: 615-464-6590
Office Hours: Monday - Friday -- 8:00am - 4:30pm