The attorneys at the Sheku Bayoh investigation were chastised for using their cell phones and making faces during testimony.
Lord Bracadale, who is in charge of the investigation, criticized KCs for their “lengthy” conversations.
The sister of Mr. Bayoh had previously accused an attorney representing police officers of watching football during the hearing.
Lord Bracadale denounced legal officials’ “inappropriate and rude” behavior.
The investigation in Edinburgh is investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr. Bayoh’s death in May 2015, after he was restrained by police.
During Wednesday’s hearings, his sister Kadi Johnson accused Gordon Jackson KC of watching football on his phone.
She stated that the alleged behavior “reeked of disrespect” for the investigation and left the family furious and appalled.
Claire Mitchell KC discussed the incident with the inquiry’s chairman on Wednesday, stating that it sounded like “football.” She did not indicate who caused the stoppage.
Lord Bracadale opened the discussion on Thursday by discussing the conduct of KCs.
According to him, he was informed that “a lawyer appeared to be using a cell phone for a purpose that was manifestly unconnected to the proceedings.”
The former judge went on to say: “Although that was a particularly egregious instance, it was not the first time cell phone noise has disrupted proceedings.
“I have no problem with people using their mobile phones silently to communicate about topics related to the investigation, but excessive use in the hearing room is both distracting and insulting.”
He also expressed worry about attorneys “engaging in extended talks” during the presentation of evidence.
Lord Bracadale stated, “This can be distracting to those in the hearing room and those watching on YouTube.”
He added: “It has been brought to my attention that certain legal professionals have occasionally exhibited inappropriate facial expressions in response to specific pieces of evidence.
“If this has been occurring, it would be highly insulting and completely wrong.
“Permit me to remind the legal counsel that these proceedings are being aired and viewed globally. It is therefore both shocking and disheartening to have to address the Scottish legal community in this manner.
“I sincerely hope I will never have to do so again.”
Salmond trial controversy
Mr. Jackson, who represented Alex Salmond during his prosecution for sexual assault, was convicted of professional misconduct in April for discussing the matter on a train.
On camera, he is heard discussing the previous prime minister and two of his accusers.
A disciplinary tribunal determined that the release of the KC’s conversation to a newspaper violated a court order protecting the accusers’ identity.
Mr. Jackson issued an apology at the time, stating that he “truly regrets the grief and difficulty” that the footage caused.
He referred himself to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission and announced his resignation from the Deanship of the Faculty of Advocates in April 2020.
Mr. Salmond was exonerated of all thirteen sexual assault allegations.
