Courthouse Etiquette & General Information
PROHIBITED ITEMS:
All persons entering the Newaygo County Courthouse are subject to search. Dangerous or illegal objects
may be seized. If you do not agree to the these terms, you may not enter the building. Surveillance and
metal detecting equipment is in use.
The following items are prohibited:
- Weapons
- Firearms
- Knives
- Tools
- Food
- Drinks
- Water
- Pets (except a certified service animal)
- Anything security deems dangerous
- Cell phones, cameras, electronic devices, & recording devices (except with judicial approval)
Please leave these items in your vehicle
SMOKING:
Smoking is not permitted on County grounds except in designated areas. Violators of the restrictions
above may be prosecuted and/or held in contempt of court per court order.
HOURS:
8:00am – 12:00pm & 1:00pm – 5:00pm
The Courthouse is closed to the public from 12:00pm until 1:00pm. Unless directed otherwise, all public
patrons will be asked to leave the building during the lunch hour.
ADDRESSING THE COURT:
Address the Judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge”. Speak clearly and loudly. The large courtroom absorbs sound, making it difficult to hear mumbling and soft-spoken voices. Speaking clearly and loudly ensures the Judge and the Court Recorder is hearing what is being said.
Do not address the Court from the gallery area. Address the Court either from the counsel table or witness stand. These areas are equipped with microphones. Leaning away from the microphones reduces the accuracy of the record.
SILENCE:
Court proceedings must be electronically recorded. Therefore, silence is a necessity unless you are a
party to the proceeding that is in progress and you are asked to address the Court. Disruptive behavior such as talking, laughing, shouting or creating other loud disturbances will not be tolerated. The security staff may remove offenders from the building and the Judge may hold violators in contempt of
court. Mild-toned conversations may be conducted in the hallways and conference rooms.
RESPECT:
Only one person may speak at a time when addressing the court, witness, etc., during a court
proceeding. Do not interrupt someone who is speaking. This ensures greater accuracy in making a
record.
Be respectful of the Judge or hearing official, the court staff, attorneys and litigants. Maintain a respectful
attitude at all times in the court building, courtroom and hearing room.
BRING READING MATERIALS:
There are no magazines or books located in the waiting areas of the courthouse. You may bring your
own reading material, if you wish.
BRING CHILDREN ONLY IF REQUIRED:
It is not recommended to bring children to the Court unless they are required for the court
proceeding. Please make other arrangements for their care.
SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS:
Special accommodations will be provided because of a disability or if you require a foreign language
interpreter to help you fully participate in court proceedings.
PARKING:
Free parking for people visiting the courthouse is available throughout the Newaygo County Complex.
LEGAL ADVICE:
Court personnel shall not provide or offer to provide legal advice or legal counsel to a fiduciary or an
interested person and shall not complete a form, petition, or document for a fiduciary or interested person.
This section does not prohibit the court from providing general information, blank forms, and information
concerning the preparation of a form provided by the court.
REFERENCES:
Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct
