Michael G. Dickens

Judge Specific

Audio Video And Exhibit Technology

The 477th District Court provides an audio/video system for publishing exhibits, but counsel must bring a laptop. Audio, video, and photo trial exhibits must be placed on a flash drive delivered to the court reporter at or before the beginning of trial.

The court has an audio / video system for publishing such exhibits in open court, but you must bring your own laptop for connecting to the system.

477th District Court Exhibit Rules ↗

Courtwide

Electronic Devices And Recording

Denton County permits participating attorneys and their staff to use electronic devices during hearings, but otherwise prohibits electronic-device use and prohibits recording court proceedings.

No electronic devices shall be used in Court, except by attorneys or the attorney's staff during hearings in which that attorney is participating. Further, no audible sounds from communication devices or other electronic devices shall be permitted and no recording of court proceedings shall be permitted.

Uniform Rules of Court for the District and Statutory County Courts of Denton County, Texas ↗

Courtwide

Civil Trial Materials And Exhibits

For a Denton County civil trial, parties must deliver witness and exhibit lists, motions in limine, and proposed jury instructions or questions when reporting for trial. Exhibits must be marked, exchanged, and examined at least seven days before trial.

At least seven (7) days prior to commencement of trial, all exhibits must be marked, exchanged, and examined by counsel so that the trial will not be delayed by such examination.

Uniform Rules of Court for the District and Statutory County Courts of Denton County, Texas ↗

Courtwide

Ai Generated Filings

Denton County District Courts require certification that material created or contributed to by generative AI was independently verified by a person using traditional, non-AI legal sources before submission.

Any information created or contributed to by generative artificial intelligence-including, but not limited to, language, quotations, sources, citations, arguments, and legal analysis-was, before submission to this Court, independently verified as accurate using traditional (non-AI) legal sources by a human being.

Standing Order Regarding Use of Artificial Intelligence in Denton County District Courts ↗

Statewide

Civil Remote Appearances

In civil district and county court proceedings, the court may permit or require electronic participation after appropriate notice; compelled electronic participation for oral-testimony proceedings requires good cause or party agreement, and a jury trial requires party agreement.

Upon appropriate notice by a party or the court, a court may allow or require a participant to appear at a court proceeding by videoconference, teleconference, or other available electronic means, except as otherwise provided in (2).

Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21d, Appearances at Court Proceedings ↗

Statewide

Civil Recording And Broadcasting

Civil district and county trial courts may permit courtroom recording or broadcasting only under Supreme Court guidelines, with the required party and witness consent, or for ceremonial proceedings.

A trial court may permit broadcasting, televising, recording, or photographing of proceedings in the courtroom only in the following circumstances:

Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 18c, Recording and Broadcasting of Court Proceedings ↗