When you have to go to court, it is very important to follow the different rules of etiquette that will allow you to behave correctly in the courtroom. Address everyone kindly and always remain calm and staid. The judge presiding over your case will be in complete control of the court and make decisions that could affect your life; for this reason it will be extremely important to be polite, respectful and sincere. Your body language and how you present yourself will be just as important as what you say. Remember that the judge and bailiffs represent the law and you must act accordingly.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare to Go to Court
Step 1. Dress appropriately
It is best to adopt a traditional style.
- Dressing professionally and classically is a sign of respect for the judge and the court;
- Behaving respectfully is very important in making a good impression;
- Men should wear a suit or elegant trousers and shirt;
- Women should wear a classic dress, a business suit or trousers and a smart shirt;
- Flip flops, too high heels and sneakers are not suitable for a trial;
- Avoid wearing too bright colors or wearing only black;
- When it comes to jewelry, wear only the bare essentials - for example, a wedding band or a watch. Do not wear heavy bracelets, earrings or necklaces.
- Avoid any type of dress that is too provocative or with explicit writings and images;
- Cover any visible tattoos;
- Before entering the court, you will need to take off your sunglasses and hat if you are wearing them.
Step 2. Make your friends aware of the court rules as well
If any of your friends or family members will be present at the trial, they need to know what to do.
- All court guests should arrive on time for the hearing;
- Inside the court it is forbidden to use mobile phones;
- Guests should not eat, drink or chew gum in the courtroom;
- In most of the classrooms, children are allowed, but on the condition that they are calm and respectful to the process. Children who disturb the hearing could be let out.
- Conversations of any kind should take place outside the classroom.
Step 3. Find out when the hearing will be held and arrive early
It is advisable to arrive early and wait outside the room to be called.
- Contact the court in advance if you don't know what time you need to show up.
- Plan to reserve extra time to find parking or to take public transport.
- Once you get to the courthouse, ask the staff where you can wait.
Step 4. Be prepared for security checks
Most courts have a checkpoint at the entrance.
- You may have to pass a metal detector. Make sure you remove any metal objects you have on.
- Don't bring weapons. They are obviously prohibited.
- Avoid carrying drugs and tobacco with you. Narcotic drugs are illegal and should never be taken to court.
Step 5. Treat all people you meet with respect and education
Remember to look people talking to you in the eye.
- Remember to always thank whoever gives you directions or offers you any service.
- You never know who you might meet outside of a courtroom. The person in line with you at security or you meet in the elevator could be a judge, a lawyer, or a member of the public jury.
- Keep your appearance neat and tidy for as long as you are in court. Do not take off your tie or jacket.
- Only drink, eat and smoke in restricted areas.
Method 2 of 3: Behavior in court
Step 1. Listen to any instructions that will be given to you by the bailiffs
Staff members will explain where to wait your turn and where to sit during the hearing.
- Ask the court staff or bailiffs what it is best to call the judge. Some may prefer to be called "Mr. Judge" or by another title.
- Arrive early and ask the court staff where you can sit;
- Listen to any advice that bailiffs or court staff will give you.
Step 2. Calmly wait during the hearing for your turn to speak
Don't start chatting and don't get distracted.
- Sit with your back straight and pay attention to the process;
- If you are not careful, you will not be able to understand what is happening;
- Do not chew gum, drink or eat during the hearing;
- Turn off your cell phone during the process. In most courts it is forbidden to use them.
- It is extremely important to listen in silence during the proceedings, as most hearings are recorded electronically.
Step 3. Pay attention to your body language during the hearing
You certainly don't want to sound disrespectful.
- Don't roll your eyes or frown in response to what others say in the hearing.
- Do not move your hands and feet during the procedure. Resist the urge to fidget in your chair.
- Keep your focus on the process. Make eye contact with the people talking to show everyone that you are listening.
Method 3 of 3: Go to court
Step 1. Don't talk unless asked
Interrupting the speaker is very bad course of action.
- The judge will not tolerate the speaker being interrupted;
- The judge could get you out of the courtroom if you were to be a distraction.
- Any interruptions in the proceedings could cause unnecessary confusion at the hearing.
- Remember that your body language may also be a distraction to others, so stay composed and calm during the hearing.
Step 2. When it is your turn to speak, stand up
This is the standard procedure in a courtroom.
- When speaking to a judge or the court you should always stand up, unless you are told to do otherwise.
- During an interrogation you may have to sit at the witness stand.
- When addressing a judge, speak loudly, clearly, and in a polite tone of voice.
- Once you finish speaking, briefly thank the judge for their attention.
Step 3. Approach the judge appropriately
The judge represents the court and the law and must always be respected.
- Some judges may prefer to be called with a special title.
- Before the hearing begins, ask the bailiff or court staff how the judge prefers to be called.
- If in doubt, address the judge as "Mr. Judge", unless you are told to do otherwise.
Step 4. Answer the questions clearly and carefully
Always reply to all questions truthfully and in the best possible way. Giving perjury is a crime and you could face a complaint if you get caught.
- There is no reason to answer questions quickly. Just take a break and think for a few seconds before answering.
- If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification.
- Answer the questions in a clear and loud voice.
- Maintain eye contact with the judge or court members when they speak to you. This will show them that you are paying attention.
- Don't answer questions if you don't feel ready. Some lawyers may press for a quick response, but don't give an answer unless you're sure you understand the question correctly.
- Asking quick questions can confuse the person concerned and lead them to give inaccurate answers.
Step 5. Speak respectfully, using polite words and always maintaining a strong awareness of your body language
It is very important to continuously show your respect.
- Don't use too much non-verbal communication when asking questions. Don't gesticulate, such as waving your hands or pointing at someone in the process.
- Do not criticize anyone present, even if you are in a moment of strong emotion. Above all, avoid criticizing the judge and court staff.
- Don't use offensive language or swear words in a courtroom.
- Always keep your body language neutral.
Step 6. Stay calm and composed throughout the hearing
Getting angry would only make you appear reckless and untrustworthy in the eyes of the court.
- If you understand that you are getting angry, you can always ask the judge to take a little break. Use the break to summarize your composure.
- Most judges will certainly prefer that you take a few minutes to recover, rather than cause a disturbance in the courtroom.
- The judge may have you arrested for contempt of court if you interrupt the hearing, yell, use aggressive verbal or body language, or take other disrespectful actions.
- If you were to vent your anger in front of the court, your reputation would end up being affected. The court will be less willing to rule in your favor if you do not behave respectfully.
