Miss. R. Cir. & Cnty. Ct. 3.02

As amended through March 21, 2024
Rule 3.02 - Conduct of Attorneys

Attorneys should manifest an attitude of professional respect toward the judge, the opposing attorney, witnesses, defendants, jurors, and others in the courtroom. In the courtroom, attorneys should not engage in behavior or tactics purposely calculated to irritate or annoy the opposing attorney and shall address the court, not the opposing attorney, on all matters relating to the case.

All objections to testimony must be made to the judge and not to the opposing attorney. The objection must be specific and not general. The attorneys will not be permitted to argue between themselves. Attorneys must stand when addressing the court, examining witnesses, and addressing the jury, except when excused for good cause by the court. Attorneys may direct remarks to the jury panel only during voir dire, opening and closing statements.

Attorneys must limit themselves to asking questions and must refrain from making statements, quips, or side remarks in an examination of a witness. The examination of witnesses will be conducted fairly and objectively, with the attorneys and witnesses displaying respect and courtesy to each other. The attorneys may not ask questions merely to embarrass or humiliate the witness. No more than one attorney per party shall be allowed to examine a witness.

In opening statements, and in closing arguments, the attorneys may not attack the opposing attorney. The attorneys may not call any juror by name, or have any personal contact with the jury whatsoever, nor attempt to converse with or solicit audible answers from the jurors individually. In the argument to the jury, the attorneys will be required to keep within proper bounds, and any attempt to inject improper matter may be stopped by the court without the necessity of an objection. The attorneys will refrain from thanking the jury for acting as jurors and after return of a verdict by the jury neither the attorneys, parties, nor spectators shall offer their congratulations, thanks or condemnation to the jury for the verdict returned.

After a verdict concerning the case, attorneys are prohibited from harassing or exhibiting disrespect for the jurors. The jurors shall be instructed by the court to report any harassment or objectionable conduct from any party, attorney, or representative of any party or attorney to the court immediately.

It is the duty of the court to enforce this rule of its own motion and without objection being made, but the court's failure to do so, where there is no objection made, will not constitute a ground for exception.

Miss. R. Cir. & Cnty. Ct. 3.02