MINNESOTA COURT RULES

APPELLATE PROCEDURE

The Minnesota Supreme Court Rules of Decorum

Adopted October 15, 1996
With amendments effective February 1, 2026

Rule 1:

All lawyers and spectators must comply with the Minnesota Supreme Court Rules of Decorum, as well as with the Minnesota Judicial Branch State Court Administrator's Policy and Procedure 605(g), Rules of Decorum for the Minnesota Judicial Center and the Capitol Supreme Court Courtroom, unless an exception is expressly permitted by the chief justice or presiding justice. Violation of the Minnesota Supreme Court Rules of Decorum may result in removal from the courtroom.

Rule 2:

The Minnesota Supreme Court Rules of Decorum apply to any location serving as the Minnesota Supreme Court's courtroom.

Rule 3:

The flags of the United States and the State of Minnesota will be displayed at all times while the court is in session.

Rule 4:

No food or drink is permitted in the courtroom. Attorneys at counsel table will be provided with water.

Rule 5:

Wearing hats, caps or other headgear in the courtroom is prohibited, with the exception of head coverings worn for religious or medical reasons.

Rule 6:

Demonstrating, including displaying signs, banners, slogans, or symbols, is prohibited. Unnecessary conversation, loud whispering, newspaper or magazine reading, or other distracting or disturbing activity or behavior in the courtroom is prohibited while court is in session. Additionally, the use of electronic devices, including cellular phones, in a manner that is audible or otherwise distracting or disturbing to the Court is not allowed.

Rule 7:

Use of audio, video, or photographic recording equipment, except as permitted by Rule 134.10 of the Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure, is prohibited.

Rule 8:

Children must be under the control and supervision of an adult at all times.

Rule 9:

Public spectators must be seated in the gallery. All spectators and attorneys must remain seated during arguments except for the attorney presenting. Spectators may leave or enter the court during times when the attorneys are approaching or leaving the podium, or as otherwise permitted by courtroom security or the court marshal.

Rule 10:

At the opening of each court day, the court marshal will, by rap of the gavel, direct all present to stand, and clearly and distinctly say:

"All rise for the honorable justices of the Supreme Court of the state of Minnesota."

Rule 11:

It is the duty of courtroom security and the Office of the Clerk of the Appellate Courts to maintain order at all times as attorneys and the public assemble in the courtroom. This duty includes reminding persons of the rules of decorum, admitting persons to the courtroom and directing them to seats, and refusing admittance to the courtroom when the courtroom is filled to its seating capacity. Courtroom security is responsible for removing persons or refusing admittance to the courtroom for distracting or discordant behavior or conduct that is otherwise in violation of the rules of decorum.

Rule 12:

Lawyers are officers of the court and must at all times uphold the honor and maintain the dignity of the profession, maintaining at all times a respectful attitude toward the court and opposing counsel.

Rule 13:

Unless otherwise noted in a specific calendar, oral arguments on days assigned begin at 9:00 a.m. All attorneys in all cases are to be present and prepared to argue at 9:00 a.m. They must check in with the court marshal and be prepared to begin whenever they are called.

Rule 14:

All lawyers and court personnel must wear appropriate business attire to the courtroom.

Rule 15:

All lawyers accompanied by clients must advise their clients of all of the formalities of the courtroom and courtroom appearances.