Municipal Court Decorum and Dress Code
MUNICIPAL COURT DECORUM
All parties, witnesses, spectators or those present in the court, or its facilities must abide by the following decorum. Disruptive behavior or conduct may result in one being asked to leave or contempt of court. The court reserves the right to take the necessary actions to uphold the integrity and professionalism during court proceedings.
- Follow the standing order regarding courtroom attire. (See below for additional guidance.)
- Be prepared to present all related documents-driver’s license, current tag, registration, proof of insurance, etc.
- Silence all cell phones and electronic devices while court is in session. The Court Marshal will ask you to silence the device and/or secure the device outside of the courtroom.
- If you must bring your minor child to court, you are responsible for keeping them under your supervision. If your children are disruptive during court proceedings, you may be seated in the front commons area.
- You will be expected to be polite, courteous and respectful to the judge, court personnel and your fellow citizens.
- Drinks and food are not allowed in the courtroom. Please dispose of any drinks or food in the waste bins provided in the hallway.
- Weapons are not allowed. The Court Marshals will not be responsible for holding prohibited items. Law Enforcement Officers are permitted to carry their service weapons.
- Tobacco products and vapes are prohibited while inside the municipal court building.
- Any recording of courtroom proceedings is strictly prohibited. Including photography, videography and/or audio recording.
- Cases involving minors or those that are sensitive in nature may not be accessible to the public.
DONE and ORDERED this 13th day of August 2024.
MUNICIPAL COURT DRESS CODE
It is ORDERED, effective immediately, attire for all parties, witnesses or spectators conducting business, participating in trials or otherwise attending proceedings shall be dressed appropriately. The proper attire of the court upholds the integrity, importance and professional atmosphere during the administration of law. Clothing, headgear and overall appearance must be safe and not disruptive and distracting to the judicial process.
The following specific mandates shall be in effect when while within a courtroom or any of its facilities:
- Hats, durags (doo-rags), bonnets or any headgear are prohibited (exception: medical or religious reasons).
- Hoods on lightweight garments or sweatshirts may not be pulled over the head.
- Sunglasses should be removed while in court.
- No sleepwear, pajamas, sleep pants and/or house shoes/slippers.
- No see-through, suggestive or revealing clothing.
- No muscle shirts, tank tops or undergarments.
- No clothing that exposes the midriff or under garments.
- No pants or shorts that fall below the natural waistline. No sagging or low riding.
- No clothing that depicts violence, inappropriate acts, drug usage, racism, gang or obscene images or language.
- No tattoos that display drugs, inappropriate activity or any inappropriate acts may not be visible.
- No clothing depicting inappropriate activity or any other clothing considered inappropriate by the Court.
- No oversized bags or bookbags/backpacks will be allowed beyond the metal detector.
- Final approval of appropriate attire will be determined by court personnel.
The court reserves the right to instruct a person to take the necessary actions to correct their attire prior to entering the Court’s facilities or one may be subject to further instructions by the Judge presiding over their respective dockets. Copies of this order shall be posted in conspicuous places in the Municipal Court, Alabama.
DONE and ORDERED this 13th day of August 2024.
