Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Preparing for a hearing
• Part 2 of 3: Your conduct in court
• Part 3 of 3: Speaking during the session

If you have to appear in court, it is important that you adhere to the house rules of the court. You should speak politely to everyone present at all times and be calm and calm. The judge presides over the hearing and can make all decisions. It is in your best interest to appear polite, respectful and fair to everyone in court. The way you present yourself and your body language are just as important as what you say during the session. Remember that the judge and court officials represent the law and you should behave accordingly.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Preparing for a hearing

1. You must be appropriately dressed if you have to appear. Dressing in a somewhat businesslike manner doesn't hurt.
   • Dressing properly and professionally shows that you respect the judge and the court.
   • Acting respectfully is an important part of court etiquette.
   • Men should wear a suit or trousers with a shirt.
   • It is best for women to wear a neat dress, suit or trousers with a blouse.
   • Flip-flops, heels and sports shoes should not be worn during a session.
   • Avoid garments with bright colors and dressing completely in black is also not recommended.
   • Only wear the necessary jewelry, such as a wedding ring or watch. Don't wear flashy jewelry, such as large bracelets, earrings, or necklaces.
   • Avoid garments that are too revealing or have garish prints (text or images).
   • Cover visible tattoos.
   • Sunglasses, caps and hats must be removed before entering the courtroom.
2. Educate family and friends about court etiquette. If family members and friends of yours will be present at the hearing, they too will need to know how to behave.
   • All those present must be on time for the hearing.
   • Cell phones are not allowed in court in most cases.
   • Attendees are not allowed to eat, drink, or chew gum in court.
   • Children are allowed in court, but must be quiet and well-behaved during the hearing. Children who disrupt the hearing can be removed from the courtroom.
   • All conversations between those present should take place outside the courtroom.
3. Remember the time when the hearing starts and make sure you arrive at the court on time. Take plenty of time so that you arrive on time. You can then wait outside the hall until you are called in.
   • Contact the court if you are not sure what time you should be there.
   • Build in a safety margin for finding a parking space or when traveling by public transport.
   • When you arrive at the court, you can ask the court officials where to wait.
4. Keep in mind that you first have to go through security. Most courts have access control.
   • You may have to go through security gates. Make sure to remove all metal objects from your clothing.
   • Do not bring weapons to the courthouse. These items are prohibited.
   • Do not bring narcotics and tobacco products with you. You can never take illegal drugs to a court of law.
5. Treat everyone you meet in the courthouse with respect. Remember to make eye contact with the people you speak to.
   • Always say “Thank you” to court officials who show you the way or otherwise assist you.
   • You never know who you will meet outside of the courtroom. The person in line at the access control or in the elevator could be a judge, lawyer or court official.
   • During the time you spend in the courthouse, make sure to maintain a neat and businesslike appearance. Keep your tie on and don't take off your jacket.
   • Drink, eat and smoke only in designated areas.

Part 2 of 3: Your conduct in court

1. Listen to the instructions of the prosecuting police or usher. These court officials will indicate where to wait for your hearing and where to sit during the hearing.
   • Ask court officials how the judge should be addressed. Some judges prefer "Your Honor" or some other title.
   • Make sure to arrive on time and ask a court officer where to sit.
   • Listen carefully to any advice from the prosecuting police or court officials.
2. Wait quietly during the hearing until you are asked to speak by the judge. Do not engage in conversation with other attendees during the session and do not let your mind wander.
   • Sit up straight and pay full attention to the procedures.
   • You won't know what's going on if you don't pay close attention.
   • You should not eat, drink or chew gum during the session.
   • Turn off your cell phone. Cell phones are prohibited in most courts.
   • It is extremely important that you remain as quiet as possible during the hearing as most hearings are recorded.
3. Be aware of your body language during the session. You do not want to appear disrespectful during the session.
   • You should not roll your eyes or frown your eyebrows during the session.
   • Try to keep your hands and feet still as much as possible. Resist the urge to move restlessly back and forth in your chair.
   • Pay attention to what is going on before your eyes in court. Make eye contact with the person speaking to show that you are listening.

Part 3 of 3: Speaking during the session

1. You should not speak during the hearing unless the judge asks you to speak. You are not allowed to speak while someone else is speaking.
   • Judges will not allow anyone to interrupt them or other people in the courtroom.
   • A judge can have you expelled from court if you constantly disrupt the hearing.
   • Interruptions in court cause unnecessary confusion during the hearing.
   • Be aware that your body language can also be a distraction, so stay calm and still during the session.
2. Stand when it is your turn to speak. This is common in most courtrooms.
   • You should always stand when speaking to a judge or court, unless directed otherwise.
   • You may be asked to sit on the witness stand during questioning.
   • Speak loudly and clearly in a polite tone when speaking.
   • When you have finished, you could briefly thank the judge for his or her attention.
3. Address the judge appropriately. The judge represents the court and the law. He or she should be treated with respect at all times.
   • Some judges have a special title with which they may wish to be addressed.
   • Ask the public prosecutor or a court officer how the judge would like to be addressed.
   • When in doubt, you could address the judge as “Your Honor,” until otherwise indicated.
4. Answer questions clearly and accurately. Always answer questions truthfully and to the best of your ability. When you deliberately fail to tell the truth, perjury is involved and can result in severe penalties.
   • There is no reason to rush to answer the questions. Feel free to take a moment to think before answering a question.
   • If you don't understand a particular question, ask for clarification.
   • Answer questions in a clear, loud voice.
   • Maintain eye contact with the judge or other people in court when they speak to you. This shows that you are listening carefully.
   • Do not respond to a question unless you are ready to answer it. Some attorneys will try to pressure you slightly so that you answer questions more quickly, but don't answer questions unless you are sure you understand.
   • Rapid questioning can lead to confusion and inaccuracy in legal proceedings.
5. Speak in a respectful tone, be polite, and pay attention to your body language. You want to appear respectful at all times.
   • Do not use too much non-verbal communication during questioning. Use gestures such as waving your hand or pointing your finger during the procedures.
   • Do not criticize the people in court, even if you are emotional. Above all, you should avoid criticizing the judge and other court officials.
   • Do not use derogatory language in court and swearing is also not an option.
   • Keep your body language neutral.
6. Stay calm and calm during the hearing. If you get angry, you will appear unpredictable and unreliable in court.
   • You can apply to the court for a short break if you find yourself getting angry. Use this pause to get yourself back together.
   • Most judges would rather you take a few minutes to regroup than disrupt the hearing.
   • A judge can accuse you of "contempt of court" for disrespecting the court, that is when you disrupt the hearing, yell, use aggressive language or body language, or other disrespectful actions.
   • If you get very excited in the presence of the judge and the rest of the audience, you will from then on be known as someone who cannot control himself properly. The judge will undoubtedly be less likely to judge in your favor if you cannot behave in a respectful manner in court.