Rule 8.115 - Courtroom Decorum(A) This court rule applies to the conduct and dress of those who attend court or engage in business in the courthouse, including attorneys, litigants, witnesses, jurors, and interested persons.(B) Court proceedings shall be conducted in a manner that protects the dignity and seriousness of the proceedings. Conduct by any person that may interfere with the decorum of the court is prohibited and may result in removal of that person from the court.(C) Persons attending court are required to abide by the following guidelines, which are representative rather than all-inclusive.(1) Smoking, eating, drinking (including bottled water), and gum chewing are not allowed in any courtroom at any time, whether during sessions of the court or at recess.(2) Taking photographs is not allowed in the courtroom without the express permission of the court.(3) All conversations and reading of books, newspapers, and periodicals, except as necessary for the trial of an issue, are prohibited in the courtroom during sessions of the court.(4) Demonstrations, placards, badges, T-shirts, and clothing that espouse a position on an issue before the court shall not be allowed without the express permission of the judge.(5) Individuals other than attorneys, court personnel, and jurors shall refrain from using the corridors between the courtrooms and chambers unless expressly authorized to do so by the court.(6) Cellular telephones, beepers, and electronic or communication devices that have the capacity to disrupt court proceedings must be turned off or set for silent notification during sessions of the court. Individuals shall not answer telephones, beepers, or other electronic communication devices while the court is in session. Failure to comply with this section may result in a fine, incarceration, or both for contempt of court.(D) Dress (1) Attorneys shall wear proper business attire while attending court, unless excused from doing so by the court.(2) Jurors, parties, and witnesses should wear proper attire while attending court, unless excused from doing so by the court.(3) Clothing such as short shorts, halter tops, sweat suits, camouflage garments, swimwear, exercise garb, and revealing garments such as tank tops shall not be permitted in the courtroom.(4) Men are required to remove hats, caps, and hoods in the courtroom.(5) The jury clerk shall assist the court in ensuring compliance with this subrule, and may require a juror whose clothing does not comport with (D)(2) and (3) to obtain appropriate attire or to report for service on a later date. A juror who fails to return to court as directed may be found in contempt of court and is subject to the penalties permitted by statute and court rule.(E) It is within the judge`s discretion to have an individual removed from the courtroom if the individual`s conduct or dress does not comport with this rule.(F) Individuals other than those giving testimony shall stand at all times when addressing the court or jury, or when examining witnesses, unless excused from doing so by the court.(G) Each business office of the court may set a policy regarding the use of cellular telephones, beepers, and other electronic or communication devices in that office.Mich. L. Ct. R. Cir. Ct. 8.115
Amended effective 10/24/2019; amended effective 1/1/2023.