Behavior at the Courthouse
Remember that the court is a formal place and you should be respectful in your behavior and conservative in the clothes you wear in court.
- Be on time for your hearing. If you miss your hearing, you may not be allowed to reschedule it.
- Dress appropriately. Clean, neat and professional clothing is appropriate for court. Shorts, t-shirts, low necklines, and torn clothing are not appropriate.
- Do not use ANY electronic device to take photos or record video or audio in OR near any courtroom. This includes cell phones, smart phones, tablets, pagers, or other recording devices. Some courts do not allow electronic devices in the courtroom, even if turned off. Learn more about the policy on cameras in the courtroom.
- In the courtroom, do NOT...carry a weapon, chew gum or tobacco, eat, drink, read a newspaper, sleep, wear a hat, or use electronic devices.
- Only one person may speak at a time in the courtroom. A court reporter is recording everything that is said during a hearing, and he can only record one speaker at a time. Ask for permission to speak, and address the judge as "Your Honor."
- Do not bring children to court. Unless the judge has told you to bring your children to the hearing, please arrange for someone to take care of your children. If you must bring them to court, please bring a responsible person to care for them outside of the courtroom.
- No smoking or use of tobacco-related products may be inside or outside the Hennepin County-owned buildings. See Tobacco-Free Policy for Hennepin County Property.
- Also see the Hennepin County Government Center building and plaza rules