Neb. Sup. Ct. R. 6-1511

As amended through October 23, 2024

Section 6-1511 - Courtroom decorum

(A) Attendance: All parties and their attorneys shall be present in the courtroom and prepared to proceed at the hour set for hearing by the court. Unjustified failure to appear shall subject the case to dismissal or disciplinary action to the attorneys concerned.

(B) Attire: Attorneys shall be attired in ordinary business wear.

(C) Conduct in Courtroom: When the judge enters the courtroom, those present shall rise and remain standing until the judge is seated. When sessions of court are recessed or concluded, those present shall remain in their seats until the judge or jury has left the courtroom.

Except when it is necessary for counsel to approach a witness or exhibit, the examination of witnesses shall be conducted while seated at the counsel table or, if the courtroom is equipped with an attorney's lectern, from the lectern.

Except upon express permission of the judge, all communications to the court shall be made from the counsel table or lectern.

Counsel shall not approach opposing counsel, the bench, the witness, the court reporter's desk, the clerk's desk, or otherwise move from the counsel table or lectern without the permission of the court, except to make a voir dire examination, opening statement, or closing argument, or to present an exhibit for identification.

Counsel shall not participate in colloquy with opposing counsel, whether audible or inaudible, without the permission of the court.

If any counsel, including co-counsel, wishes to leave the courtroom, permission of the court shall be obtained. No counsel shall leave during the testimony of any witness he or she is examining, or has examined, without the permission of the court.

Witnesses and parties shall be referred to and addressed by their surnames. Only one counsel for each party shall examine a witness or make objections during the testimony of such witness.

Counsel shall not approach a witness without permission of the court.

All persons entering the courtroom while court is in session shall be seated immediately and shall conduct themselves in a quiet and orderly manner. No person shall smoke, eat, drink beverages, or engage in other distracting conduct in the courtroom while court is in session.

No person shall possess any firearm or other dangerous weapon in the courtroom or in any public area adjacent to it without the permission of the court.

Upon order of the court, any person may be subjected to a search of his or her person and possessions for any weapons, destructive device, or components thereof.

Jurors, either prospective or selected, shall not mingle or converse with counsel, litigants, witnesses, or spectators during the trial of a case.

Neb. Sup. Ct. R. 6-1511