RULES OF CONDUCT MAGISTRATE COURT OF LAURENS COUNTY 1. TIMELINESS: THE MAGISTRATE COURT WILL PROCEED TO DISPOSE OF ANY CASE IF A PARTY IS NOT PRESENT WITHIN TEN MINUTES OF THE SCHEDULE TIME OF THE HEARING. Being on time to court is important. The court schedule has been adjusted to make the proceedings tale as little time as possible. While the court may be running late occasionally, when the court schedule is on time, a party that is late may miss their day in court. If for any reason you are going to be late to court, you should call the court clerk and advise of the time of your arrival. Requests for continuance must be approved by the court prior to the hearing. 2. DRESS: APPROPRIATE DRESS AND ATTIRE IS REQUIRED. THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED. 1. No tank tops. 2. No shorts, other than dress length shorts within two inches of the knee. 3. No tee shirts with offensive writing, pictures or slogans. 4. No hats. 5. No sunglasses, except prescription. 6. No cocktail dresses 7. No mini skirts 8. No gang related clothing, colors, belts hanging down, etc. 9. No tight or revealing clothing. 10. No bare feet, flip flops, etc. 11. No baggy pants 3. CHILDREN: CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF SIX YEARS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE COURTROOM. 4. COURTROOM CONDUCT: When court is in session, there is ABSOLUTELY NO TALKING or whispering allowed. You may read a book or magazine, so long as it is not distracting those around you. 5. EXITING COURTROOM: Entry into and exiting the courtroom should be done between cases. 6. ALL TOBACCO PRODUCTS ARE PROHIBITED. 7. THE JUDICIAL OFFICER IS TO BE ADDRESSES AS "JUDGE" OR"YOUR HONOR", NEVER BY FIRST NAME. COURT PROMISES 8. The court promises to be punctual in beginning court and will always endeavor to stay on schedule. It should be understood by all parties that the court will give each case the consideration of time that it deserves. It is difficult for the court to determine ahead of time how long each case will take, but the court will do its best to stay on time. 9. The court promises to treat each party with respect and dignity. 10. The court promises to decide matters as quickly as possible. If a decision is not rendered from the bench. The court will attempt to finalize its decision as soon as possible.