united-states rules-of-court
Amount of distance from the Jury?
<p>Having observed many jury trials, it seems that lawyers are only allowed to stand behind the podium or walk around the direct area around the podium (within 2 or 3 feet) while addressing the court. </p>

<p>In one instance a lawyer did try to stand within two feet of the jury box, and faced the jury, immediately the judge reprimanded the lawyer saying:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>You are here to address the court, not to directly address the jury  </p>
</blockquote>

<p>Are there specific rules of court etiquette that says a lawyer can't approach the jury (like the rules that a lawyer needs approval to approach the witness box)?</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Are there specific rules of court etiquette that says a lawyer can't approach the jury (like the rules that a lawyer needs approval to approach the witness box)?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>There are rules and directions to that effect, although these fall short of quantifying the minimum distance counsel should keep. For instance, <a href="https://courts.mt.gov/portals/189/dcourt/dc_rules/7th.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Montana 7th Judicial District Court Rule 18</a> states:</p>

<blockquote>
  <ol start="32">
  <li><p>Attorneys have the responsibility of keeping themselves, their parties, and their witnesses apart from the jury at all times</p></li>
  <li><p>During final argument, the attorney must stay a reasonable distance from the jury box.</p></li>
  </ol>
</blockquote>

<p>See also section on <em>Decorum and Courtroom Management</em> <a href="https://www.leagle.com/decision/infdco20161109f83" rel="nofollow noreferrer">here</a> and <a href="https://www.leagle.com/decision/infdco20140513l36" rel="nofollow noreferrer">here</a>:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Stand a respectful distance from the jury at all times.</p>
</blockquote>
