Siskiyou — Standing Order Re Courtroom Conduct

Source: https://www.siskiyou.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/standing-order-re-courtroom-conduct-12-13-2022.pdf

SISKIYOU COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT STANDING ORDER RE COURTROOM CONDUCT

The California Code of Judicial Conduct provides that a judge "shall require order and decorum in proceedings" and that a judge "shall be patient, dignified and courteous to litigants, jurors, witnesses, lawyers . . . and shall require similar conduct of lawyers." (Canon 3B(3) & (4).) To ensure compliance with this mandate, the court shall require the following conduct. This order supplements the Rules for Decorum in the Courtroom, set forth in Appendix 1of the Siskiyou County Local Rules, which remain in full force and effect.

1. Counsel shall at all times maintain respect for the court and court staff and shall observe the dignity and decorum of the courtroom. a. Counsel shall not interrupt the court or opposing counsel, unless necessary to state a legal objection. b. Once the court has heard argument and ruled on any matter, there shall be no further argument. Counsel shall respectfully yield to the court's ruling. c. Counsel shall respond to legal arguments briefly and succinctly. If the court informs counsel that it has heard sufficient argument, counsel shall stop argument. d. Counsel shall request permission from the court to speak on any issue, such as "May I be heard?" "May I bring an issue to the court's attention?" May I speak to that?"

2. Counsel shall at all times conduct themselves in a courteous, dignified, and professional manner. a. Counsel shall refrain from expressing personal feelings of anger, outrage, and indignity in the courtroom. b. Counsel shall properly modulate his or her voice and shall not yell. c. There shall be no bickering between counsel. d. Disrespectful non-verbal behavior is not permitted, including, but not limited to, eye-rolling, smirking, muttering, and related misconduct. e. Counsel shall refrain from sarcastic or disparaging remarks of any kind. f. Counsel shall avoid unfair or derogatory personal references or personal attacks directed to opposing counsel, litigants, witnesses, jurors, and the court.

The court will enforce these rules with the appropriate remedy, including initiating disciplinary measures, ordering sanctions, or contempt.

CCP Section 1209(a)(1) defines contempt as: "Disorderly, contemptuous, or insolent behavior toward the judge while holding court tending to interrupt the due course of a trial or other judicial proceeding." Contempt also includes the disobedience of any lawful order of the court.

Dated: December 13, 2022