Rules & Standing Orders
State Court Rules of Conduct
To ensure fairness, maintain order, and uphold the dignity of the judicial process, all individuals appearing before the Effingham County State Court are required to comply with the following rules. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in removal from the courtroom, confiscation of prohibited items, or other legal consequences, including contempt of court.
Dress Code
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Proper attire is required. Business or business-casual clothing is recommended.
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Prohibited attire includes:
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Shorts, tank tops, halter tops, or strapless shirts
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Clothing with offensive or obscene language, symbols, or images
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Hats, caps, or head coverings (except for religious or medical reasons)
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Sunglasses
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Excessively torn, dirty, or revealing clothing
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Shoes must be worn at all times.
Anyone dressed inappropriately may be denied entry or asked to leave and return properly attired.
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Electronics & Personal Devices
To preserve the integrity of court proceedings and avoid disruptions:
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All electronic devices must be turned OFF before entering the courtroom.
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This includes, but is not limited to:
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Cell phones
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Laptops
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Tablets
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Smartwatches
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Wireless earbuds or headphones
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Any other recording or communication devices
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Recording, photographing, live-streaming, or transmitting any part of the proceedings without prior written authorization is strictly prohibited.
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Failure to comply may result in confiscation of the device, removal from the courtroom, or contempt of court charges.
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General Courtroom Conduct
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Be respectful to the judge, court staff, attorneys, and other parties at all times.
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Do not speak out of turn, interrupt, or cause any disturbance.
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Food, beverages, gum, and tobacco products are not permitted inside the courtroom.
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Children must be supervised at all times and should not disrupt proceedings.