O.C.G.A.

Ga. Sup. Ct. R. 55 (2019)

Courtroom Decorum

✓ O.C.G.A. — 2019 edition (Public.Resource.Org Release 73)
Code text and O.C.G.A. statutory annotations on this page reflect the 2019 Official Code of Georgia Annotated (Public.Resource.Org Release 73, 2019-08-21; public domain per Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 2020). The Syfert case-law annotations in Notes of Decisions, below, are current.
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(1) The dignity of the Court is to be respected and maintained at all times.

(2) No food or drink shall be permitted in the courtroom, except for water provided at counsel tables.

(3) Counsel. Attire for counsel should be restrained and appropriate to reflect the dignity of appearing before the State’s highest court. The lawyers’ lounge has been provided to counsel to prepare for argument and other purposes. Counsel may use laptops or tablet devices in silent mode while seated at counsel tables or at the podium.

Only counsel who are members of the Bar of this Court or admitted pro hac vice in the case, properly listed on the docket, and designated on the briefs may sit at counsel tables or in the well of the Court.

(4) Electronic devices, recording and photographing. When court is in session, electronic devices must be in silent mode and should not be read when in the courtroom. No one should talk or make any noise except for counsel making argument to the Court. Taking notes, if not done in a distracting manner, is permitted in the courtroom, but other distracting behavior is prohibited.

Audio or visual recording or photographing of any kind without the express permission of the Court is prohibited. Permission to record the session or take photographs must be secured before the argument session from the Court’s Public Information Office. Persons engaged in unauthorized filming or recording may be asked to leave the courtroom.

(5) Visitors. Court sessions are open to the public, and visitors are welcome to attend on a first-come, first-served basis. Attire that does not comport with the dignity and solemnity of the proceeding, including but not limited to accessories such as pins or buttons that promote a cause, is strictly prohibited. Hats or caps or other headgear not worn for

religious purposes must be removed while in the courtroom. Repeated entrances and departures are to be avoided.