Court Conduct


If you have been ordered to appear in court, this page will provide important information that will assist you before your appearance. This information does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal assistance, please consult an attorney.

When Appearing in Court

  • Be on time
  • Throw away food and drinks before entering the courtroom
  • Stand when the judge enters and leaves the courtroom
  • Stand when you are speaking to the judge
  • Speak clearly when you respond to the judge’s questions
  • Always address the judge as “Your Honor”
  • Never interrupt the judge; if you are unsure of what you heard, wait until the judge or other person speaking has finished talking before asking a question
  • Enter and leave the courtroom quietly, so you do not disturb others
  • Only approach the bench when instructed to do so
Dressing for Court

If you are appearing in court, you should dress nicely and in a manner that shows respect for the court.

Here are some things you should not wear:

  • Hats inside the courtroom (except those worn for religious purposes)
  • Sunglasses
  • T-shirts depicting violence, sexual acts, profanity, or illegal drugs
  • Tube or halter tops/plunging necklines/visible midriffs
  • Ripped or torn jeans
  • Mini skirts or shorts
  • Baggy pants that fall below the waist
  • Muscle shirts (usually worn as undergarments)
If you are not dressed properly, you will be asked to leave the court and return at a later date. This will delay your hearing and require you to appear in court more than once.

Prohibited Items

Items that should not enter the courthouse:

  • Weapons of any kind
  • Electronic equipment such as video, voice recorders, or cameras (unless approved by the court)
  • Food, beverages, chewing gum and tobacco
Cell Phones and Pagers: Pursuant to Rule 11 of the Uniform Rules of the Municipal Courts of the State of Georgia, no cell phones shall be used by any parties, other than attorneys and court staff unless otherwise allowed by the presiding Judge.
Request to Use A Recording Device Form


Security Precautions: Before entering the court you will go through a security checkpoint. In most cases, you will be asked to walk through a metal detector or an officer will use a wand to check for prohibited items. You should allow the officer to search any bags, packages or personal belongings that will be taken into the courtroom. If you refuse to cooperate, you may be denied entry to your hearing.

Respect: The Courtroom is a place of order and structure. You should at all times act in a respectful manner when in the presence of the judge, court staff, attorneys, court officers and other persons attending court. Once the court has made a ruling in your case, continue to be respectful as you exit the courtroom. Attempts to disrupt the court once the judge has made a ruling may result in jail time.

FAQ

What time is my hearing?
All court times are typically scheduled for 9:00 a.m. with check-in beginning at 8:15 a.m.  The court stops admitting defendants in the courtroom for arraignments at 10:00 a.m. For those attending the trial or Duluth Defensive Driving calendar, you must be checked into court by 9:00 a.m. 
What if I need special assistance?
If you have a disability, speak another language, or require special accommodations in the courtroom, please contact our court before your hearing to allow the court time to properly assist you. We can be reached at 770.623.2771, via fax at 678.512.3806, or via e-mail at judgeadmin@duluthga.net
What should I do if I cannot appear at my hearing?
If you are not able to appear in court, contact the court clerk at least five days before your scheduled hearing. If you do not appear at your hearing and fail to notify the court, a warrant may be issued for your arrest in criminal cases. You should also keep in mind that a judge may make a ruling in your case without you being present.

This page was inspired by the joint efforts of the Georgia Commission on Access and Fairness in the Courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts’ research Division. The Administrative Office of the Courts serves all classes of courts and acts as secretariat to judicial branch agencies and committees. The agency takes a leadership role in projects to improve the court system and increase system responsiveness to the citizens it serves. The agency staffs the Judicial Council and works closely with the Supreme Court of Georgia.