Courtroom Decorum

I visited Judge Weech's courtroom this morning. He runs a good court. He spoke loudly and clearly, so that his voice could be heard and understood throughout the courtroom.

It would have been nice if the attorneys had spoken up, too. You'd think they were discussing national secrets from the low tones and hushed voices at the bench (except for the judge).

Courtroom security officers could pay closer attention to disruptive conversations that occur in the courtroom and in the vestibule between the courtroom and the hallway. It's not just the defendants; it's the attorneys, too. They talk among one another in the courtroom during court business, and it's not always about court matters. At other times they meet clients in the vestibule or talk to them while the clients are seated in the courtroom.

Rather than just calling out to the noisy people, it would be better if the security officers went to the talkers and quietly asked them to leave the courtroom or stop talking, including the attorneys. Judge Weech had to admonish those seated in court this morning not to talk. He did it nicely, but it shouldn't have been necessary.

At one point Judge Weech had to address a group to make room, so that a person could approach the bench after his case was called.

Maybe a remedial class for attorneys in courtroom decorum might be in order. At least, no attorney's cell phone rang this morning.

And maybe there should be prominent signs in the vestibules that read, "No conversations in this area. Step out to the hallway."