Vincent Giardino

396th District Court (Tarrant County) — Rules of Conduct for Counsel While in Trial (trial schedule, in-custody clothing, voir dire, witnesses)

The 396th District Court's trial-conduct rules (page last modified June 12, 2025): be on time, brief legal objections, stand to object or address the court; the typical trial week — Monday morning jury selection with hearings outside the jury's presence in the afternoon, openings and testimony Tuesday afternoon then daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; a large touchscreen TV with two HDMI inputs for both parties; counsel must bring appropriate clothing for in-custody clients to the bailiff before trial, or advise the court at least 24 hours before if unable; the court covers juror qualifications, exemptions, scheduling and basic constitutional issues before the parties' voir dire; challenges for cause at the end of voir dire; questionnaires and seating charts provided early; a digital timer for jury selection and argument; witnesses present, ready and appropriately dressed; no pointing firearms at anyone in the courtroom; ask permission to approach a witness.