Courtroom Standards

Rules of Conduct & Court Decorum

• Authority for rules

  • Under the inherent power and duty of all Texas courts, as codified in Section 21.002, Government Code, the following rules of conduct and decorum shall apply and govern any and all proceedings held before the Municipal Court of the City of Missouri City, Fort Bend County, in the state of Texas.

• Conduct required of all persons while attending court:

  • Avoid bringing small children to court. If you must, please monitor their behavior so they remain quiet at all times. Parents may be asked to leave the courtroom if their child becomes noisy or unruly.
  • Hats should be removed before entering a courtroom.
  • No cell phones are allowed (silenced or turned off).
  • No weapons will be permitted in the Municipal Court building or any other city building.
  • Please wear suitable clothing to court. It is inappropriate to enter the courtroom unless you are wearing at least a T-shirt, pants, and shoes. T-shirts that carry offensive slogans or pictures are not allowed and shirttails shall be tucked in. Other prohibited attire include (but not limited to): shorts, tank tops, spaghetti strap blouses, flip flops, house shoes, athletic pants, pajamas, or revealing/see through blouses. 
  • Reading newspapers in the courtroom, particularly if this causes a distraction, generally is not allowed.
  • Sit quietly in the courtroom while court is in session.
  • Smoking is prohibited by law in all areas of city buildings. When you are free to leave the courtroom, you will find smoking areas available outside the court building.
  • When addressing the judge, stand at the podium. Do not lean on the bench. No food, drink, or gum chewing is allowed in the courtroom.

• Formal opening 

  • Each session of court shall be brought to order by formal announcement by the bailiff of the court, requiring all to rise as the judge takes the bench.