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Courtroom Rules & Conduct

State Court of Effingham County

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To ensure order, maintain decorum 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 legal consequences, including contempt of court. 

Dress Code

 

Proper attire is required, and the dress code will be strictly enforced. Suits and ties are not required to be worn, and jeans without holes (distressed) in them, are acceptable. Pant must be worn at the waist.

 

Strictly prohibited are the following:

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  • Sweat pants/jogging suits; 

  • Shorts;

  • Tank tops, halter tops, strapless tops, or midriff-baring clothing;

  • Clothing that is excessively torn, dirty, revealing, or see-through;

  • Clothing with offensive, obscene, or inappropriate language, symbols, or images

  • Hats, caps (including shower caps), or non-religious head coverings (religious or medical head coverings are permitted); and

  • Sunglasses are prohibited unless required for a documented medical condition; in no event shall sunglasses be worn on the head
     

Shoes must be worn at all times. No bedroom slippers are allowed.

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If you are dressed inappropriately, you must exit the courtroom to change into appropriate attire or your case will be continued.

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Electronics & Personal Devices

 

Electronic devices are not allowed in the courthouse if  you are going into the courtroom unless prior permission has been granted by the Court.

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This includes, but is not limited to:

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  • Cellphones

  • Tablets

  • Laptops

  • Smart watches

  • Recording devices

  • AI recording Glasses

 

Unauthorized use of electronic devices may result in removal from the courtroom or other sanctions deemed appropriate by the Court.

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Courtroom Conduct

 

All individuals appearing before the Court are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner.

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While in the courtroom: 
 

  • Maintain quiet and respectful behavior at all times

  • Follow all instructions given by the Judge, deputies, or court personnel

  • Do not interrupt proceedings or speak out of turn

  • Food, beverages, and chewing gum are not permitted in the courtroom

  • Stand when the Judge enters or exits the courtroom unless instructed otherwise

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Late Arrivals

 

Individuals who arrive after court proceedings have begun may be required to wait outside the courtroom until the Court permits entry.

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Security Procedures

 

All persons entering the courthouse are subject to security screening. 

 

Prohibited items, including weapons of any kind or unauthorized recording equipment, are not permitted inside the courthouse.

 

Individuals must comply with all courthouse security procedures and instructions provided by deputies and courthouse personnel.

Failure to comply may result in removal from the courtroom or other sanctions permitted by law.​

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