Courtroom Etiquette
Arrive early for your scheduled hearing.
If you do not know in which courtroom your hearing is scheduled, go to the 15th floor and look for your name and A number on the calendars posted on the bulletin boards. When you find your name and A number, you will find the judge's name, courtroom letter and floor above the calendar.
If you cannot find your name on the calendars, go the information window on the 15th floor for assistance.
Take the elevators to the assigned floors. Do not attempt to take the stairs as they are alarmed for security purposes.
When you arrive on the courtroom floor, be prepared to go through a security checkpoint. Stand in line and proceed through the metal detector, one person at a time.
You may not bring in cameras, recording devices, or weapons of any kind, including small pocket knives. Food and drink, except bottled water, are not permitted past the checkpoint. Be prepared to open all purses, bags and briefcases for inspection by the security officer.
All telephones and pagers must be turned off or completely silenced and may not be used in the courtrooms, court hallways or the elevator lobbies on the 14th, 16th, 17th and 18th floors.
A public telephone is located in the hallway of the courtroom floors.
Please keep your voice down while in the court hallways. Hearings are in progress in the courtrooms.
If you cannot find the right courtroom, ask the security officer at the checkpoint for assistance.
When you find the right courtroom, open the door quietly, enter the courtroom and give your name to the court clerk seated at the desk with the computer.
Sit down in the courtroom and wait for your name to be called.
You must appear for your hearing even if your attorney does not appear.