Rule 3.070.Persons Permitted Within Bar of Court
Current through August 1, 2026 · Last verified September 12, 2026
Full Text of Rule 3.070
Plain-English Summary
The bar is the divider between the working part of the courtroom and the seats where the public sits. This rule controls who crosses it. During the trial of a case or the presentation of any matter to the court, the space inside is limited to clients, attorneys, court personnel, and witnesses when called to the stand.
Family members are singled out, which tells you where the pressure usually comes from. A spouse, a parent, or an adult child who wants to sit beside the litigant during trial is on the wrong side of this rule unless the court says otherwise. Witnesses are also treated carefully: they belong inside the bar when called to the stand, not before.
The court's permission overrides all of it, so an exception is available on request. Ask in advance rather than in the moment, and be ready to explain why the person's presence inside the bar matters. Note the reach of the rule, too. It covers the presentation of any matter to the court, not trials alone, so a motion hearing falls within it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my family sit inside the bar with me during trial?
Not without the court's permission. The rule names members of litigants' families among those who may not be inside the bar during a trial or the presentation of a matter.
They remain free to watch from the public seating, and the court can allow an exception if asked.
Who is allowed inside the bar of the courtroom?
Clients, attorneys, court personnel, and witnesses when called to the stand. Anyone else needs the court's permission.
Can a witness sit inside the bar before testifying?
The rule admits witnesses when called to the stand. Before that point a witness is in the same position as any other person and stays outside the bar unless the court permits otherwise.
Does this rule apply at motion hearings, or only at trial?
Both. It covers the trial of any case and the presentation of any matter to the court, which takes in hearings as well as trials.
How do I get permission for someone to be inside the bar?
The rule allows what the court permits, but it sets out no procedure for asking. Raise it with the court before the proceeding begins rather than as the person walks forward.