Rules & Standing Orders
State Court Rules of Conduct
To ensure fairness, maintain order, and uphold the dignity of the judicial process, all individuals entering the Effingham County State Court are required to follow these rules. Failure to comply may result in removal from the courtroom, denial of entry, confiscation of prohibited items, and/or additional legal consequences, including contempt of court.
Dress Code
Proper attire is required. Business or business-casual clothing is recommended.
Not allowed:
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Shorts
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Tank tops, halter tops, strapless tops, or midriff-baring clothing
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Clothing that is excessively torn, dirty, revealing, or see-through
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Clothing with offensive, obscene, or inappropriate language, symbols, or images
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Hats, caps, or non-religious head coverings (religious or medical head coverings are permitted)
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Sunglasses (medical exceptions permitted)
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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Turn OFF all electronic devices before entering the courtroom.
This includes (but is not limited to): cell phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and wireless earbuds/headphones. -
No recording or photography. Recording, photographing, live-streaming, or transmitting any portion of court proceedings is prohibited unless you have prior authorization from the Court.
Failure to comply may result in removal from the courtroom, confiscation of the device, and/or contempt of court.
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General Courtroom Conduct
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Be respectful to the Judge, court staff, attorneys, witnesses, 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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No food, drinks, gum, or tobacco products in the courtroom.
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Children must be supervised at all times and must not disrupt proceedings.
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If you are asked to step outside or correct a disruption, do so immediately and respectfully.
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Security Screening and Prohibited Items
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All visitors should expect to pass through courthouse security screening. You may be asked to walk through a metal detector and/or have bags and personal items inspected.
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Do not bring prohibited items into the courthouse, including weapons of any kind or any unauthorized recording equipment.
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Refusal to comply with security procedures may result in denial of entry
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Important Notice​
The information provided on this website is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. If you need legal advice, consult an attorney.
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Uniform Rules – State Courts of the State of Georgia
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