Clarence Thomas

Wait at the lectern until recognized, open with the court's prescribed salutation, do not introduce counsel, address the Chief Justice with the specified title, and address other Justices as Justice [name] or Your Honor, not Judge.

Others are referred to as "Justice Thomas," "Justice Kagan," or "Your Honor." Do not use the title "Judge."

Argument is normally scheduled for 30 minutes, but counsel need not use all allotted time.

Your argument time is normally scheduled for 30 minutes (Rule 28.3). You need not use all your time.

When the red light comes on, finish answering the pending question but do not present a summation.

When the red light comes on, counsel may finish responding to a question that is pending, but should not present a summation.

Speak clearly into the microphone, do not read from a prepared script, and do not use rapid-fire delivery to stretch argument time.

Under no circumstances should you read your argument from a prepared script. You should not attempt to enhance your argument time by a rapid fire delivery.

Never interrupt a Justice. If interrupted, stop speaking immediately, listen, and give that Justice full attention.

Never interrupt a Justice who is addressing you. Give your full time and attention to that Justice.

Answer questions directly, use yes or no when possible before explaining, and say so if you do not know the answer.

Make every effort to answer questions directly. If at all possible, say "yes" or "no," and then expand upon your answer if you wish. If you do not know the answer, say so.