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Rule 1.5. Courtroom Activities and Conduct

Oklahoma Statutes AnnotatedLocal District Court RulesEffective: October 28, 2009

Oklahoma Statutes Annotated
Local District Court Rules
Rules of the Nineteenth Judicial District [Bryan County]
Chapter I. General Rules
Effective: October 28, 2009
OK 19 District Court Rule 1.5
Rule 1.5. Courtroom Activities and Conduct
No gun, knife, or other potentially offensive weapon is permitted in the courtroom {except as provided in 21 O.S., ยง 1277(E),}. Further, anyone entering the courtroom is subject to having their person and/or belongings thoroughly searched by a bailiff and/or a law enforcement officer.
Everyone entering the courtroom is advised of the following courtroom rules:
Bringing small children into the courtroom is prohibited. Gum chewing is prohibited in the courtroom. Eating and/or drinking anything is prohibited in the courtroom (an exception to this rule is that an attorney, a party or a witness may have a small cup of water and/or a mint, cough drop or throat lozenge). Tobacco use of any kind is prohibited in the courtroom, and smoking is prohibited in the courthouse. Wearing sunglasses is prohibited in the courtroom (unless sunglasses are necessary because of a medical condition). Wearing a hat is prohibited in the courtroom (unless a hat is necessary because of a medical condition). Reading newspapers, books or magazines is prohibited in the courtroom. Cell phones or other electronic devices are prohibited in the courtroom (except that attorneys may have a cell phone or other electronic device that is turned off).
Any activity or noise in or near the courtroom which disrupts or disturbs the proceedings is strictly prohibited. When it is necessary to call any person's name or announce any case in the courtroom or corridor, said announcement may only be made at an audible level so that a reasonable or average person could hear the announcement. No such announcement may be made at a level of sound which would be disruptive to any other court process. Further, shouting or loud noises are prohibited in or near chambers, or in or near the Court Clerk's office. A reasonable, professional and respectful tone of voice is required at all times from all attorneys, court personnel, parties, witnesses and spectators.
A courtroom may not be used for any purpose other than a judicial function without prior permission of the District Judge.

Credits

Adopted effective October 28, 2009.
Oklahoma 19 District Court Rule 1.5, OK R 19 DIST CT Rule 1.5
Current with amendments received through May 15, 2024. Some rules may be more current, see credits for details.
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