General Rules of Attire & Conduct

Weapons & Consent to Search


Pursuant To Section 46.03 of the Texas Penal Code and Judicial Order of the Municipal Court of the City of Big Spring, Texas, the possession of any firearm, illegal knife, club, or any prohibited weapon set forth in Section 46.05(a), Texas Penal Code, in the Municipal Court / City Hall Building, any court room, or any office utilized by the Municipal Court is strictly prohibited. A violation of this law is a third degree felony.

All persons who enter the Municipal Court / City Hall Building, any courtroom or any office utilized by the Municipal Court of the City of Big Spring are subject to search of their person and their belongings. All persons who enter said premises consent to the search of their person and their belongings for prohibited weapons.

Attire


Unacceptable attire includes, but is not limited to:
  • Clothing that is dirty, torn, or ragged
  • Clothing that is too tight or too short
  • Hats
  • Muscle shirts, clothing with offensive, vulgar, racist, sexist, obscene, or suggestive words, slogans, depictions, or pictures, including grotesque creatures
  • Shorts and cut-offs

Conduct


Pro Se parties (individuals representing themselves without an attorney) should be prepared to present their cases in a proper manner. It is not the court's duty or responsibility to protect or represent you, nor instruct you on court procedure, evidence, rules, or how to present and prove your case. If you are unprepared, unaware, and not knowledgeable as to presenting your case, you may lose your case.

Rules of conduct while in Municipal Court are as follows:
  • Be on time.
  • Do not argue with the court.
  • Address the court as "Judge" or "Your Honor."
  • Address opposing parties, counsel, witnesses, and court officers as "Mr.," "Mrs.," "Miss," "Officer," etc. Do not use first names, except with 14 years of age or younger.
  • Do not read newspapers, magazines, books, etc. in the courtroom during proceedings.
  • Do not talk at the same time as the court, opposing counsels, or witnesses.
  • Racist, sexist, obscene, or profane language or gestures are prohibited unless it is pertinent to a case and is elicited and quoting from facts in the case.
  • Do not enter and depart the courtroom excessively.
  • Do nothing to disturb or distract the court, counsels, witnesses, or other court personnel. Children must not create a disturbance or be kept out of the courtroom.
  • Do not approach the Judge's bench without permission. Do not rest arms or hands on the bench.
  • Rise when the Judge enters and remain standing until the Judge or bailiff announces "be seated" or until the Judge is seated. Rise when the Judge exits the courtroom.
  • No food or drinks are allowed in the courtroom.