Content

• Steps

When it comes to being at the hearing, it is important to follow some rules in the courtroom. You need to talk politely to everyone and stay calm and in control at all times. The judge hearing your case has authority in the courtroom and has the ability to make all decisions on the case. You need to show courtesy, respect, and honesty before a jury. Body language and expression are just as important as what you say in court. Remember that judges and court staff represent the law and you need to behave appropriately.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Prepare to appear in court

1. 

   Dress appropriately when appearing in court. You need to choose a conservative outfit.
   • Dressing professionally and conservatively is a sign of respect for the judge and the court.
   • Respect is very important in court conduct.
   • Men should wear vest or trousers shirt.
   • Women should wear conservative dresses, business suits, or trousers and shirts.
   • Sandals, heels, and sneakers should not be brought to trial.
   • Avoid wearing bright colors or dark clothing from top to bottom.
   • Wear only essential jewelry such as a wedding ring or watch. Don't wear very prominent bracelets, earrings, or necklaces.
   • Avoid wearing clothing that is obvious or has sensitive language or images.
   • Cover any exposed tattoos.
   • Remove sunglasses and hats before entering the courtroom.

2. 

   
   
   Notice courtroom rules to friends. If friends and family members attend court, they need to know how to behave appropriately.
   • Attendees need to arrive earlier than the hearing time.
   • The use of phones in court rooms is prohibited.
   • Do not eat, drink or chew gum during the court hearing.
   • Children are allowed to attend the trial, but they need to keep quiet and respect the hearing. If they make trouble, they will be invited out of the room.
   • All conversations must take place outside of court.

3. 

   
   
   Know when to start court and arrive early. You should arrive early and wait outside the courtroom for your name.
   • Contact the court beforehand if you are unsure what time it should be.
   • Go early to find parking or take public transport.
   • When you arrive at court, you should ask the court officer where to wait.

4. 

   
   
   Prepare through security. Most court buildings have a security station.
   • You need to go through metal detector. So you have to remove all metal objects from your clothes.
   • Do not bring weapons into the courthouse. These are prohibited items.
   • Do not bring drugs and cigarettes. Avoid bringing illegal drugs into the courthouse.

5. 

   Treat everyone you interact with with respect. You need to make eye contact when you are talking to another person.
   • Always say "Thank you" to those who instruct or provide services to you.
   • You never know who you are going to meet outside the courtroom. The person in line waiting through security or in the elevator can be a judge, lawyer, or jury member.
   • Always maintain a neat and clean outfit the entire time in court. Do not remove tie or vest off.
   • Only eat, drink and smoke in designated places.
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Part 2 of 3: Conducting in Court

1. 

   Listen to your supervisor or instructor for instructions. This team will direct you to the hearing lounge and where to sit during the hearing.
   • Ask the court officer or supervisor how to speak at the judge's request. Some judges want the title "Excellency Judge" or another title.
   • Arrive early and ask the staff where to sit.
   • Take note of any instructions given by the supervisor or court officer.

2. 

   Keep quiet during the hearing until you are assigned to speak. Don't chat with others or lose focus.
   • Sit upright and pay attention to the lawsuit.
   • You won't keep track of what's going on without paying attention.
   • Do not chew gum, or eat or drink during the hearing.
   • Turn off the phone during the trial. Most courts ban cell phone use.
   • It is important that you remain quiet during your hearing as most hearings are recorded.

3. 

   Note body language during the hearing. You should not show disrespect during court proceedings.
   • Do not roll your eyes or frown when responding to others during the hearing.
   • Do not move hands or feet during court proceedings. Try not to move while sitting.
   • Focus your attention on the trial. Make eye contact with those who are speaking to let them know that you are listening.
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Part 3 of 3: Speaking in court

1. 

   Keep silent until indicated. Interrupting what someone is saying is inappropriate behavior in court.
   • The judge will not tolerate anyone who annoys them or others in the courtroom.
   • The judge can invite you out of the courtroom if you are causing trouble.
   • Interfering with the court process causes unnecessary chaos in the hearing.
   • Keep in mind that body language can also distract others, so be sure to control and sit quietly while judging.

2. 

   Stand up when it's your turn to speak. This is standard courtroom ritual.
   • You must stand up when speaking in front of the judge or in court, unless asked otherwise.
   • You may be asked to sit on a witness stand during questioning.
   • Speak loud and clear in a polite tone of voice when speaking with the judge.
   • When you're done giving your speech, you should thank the judge for listening.

3. 

   Addressing the judge appropriately. Judges are court and legal representatives. You need to respect this person.
   • Some judges like to use special titles.
   • Consult with a supervisor or counselor before the hearing about the title the judge wants to call.
   • If you are not sure, you can address the judge "Your Excellency Judge" unless there is another request.

4. 

   Answer questions clearly and carefully. Always answer honestly and to the best of your ability. Lying on a podium is perjury and can result in penalty if found out.
   • There is no reason to answer any question via loudspeaker. You can pause and think for a few seconds before answering.
   • If you don't understand the question, you can ask for it again.
   • Answer questions in a clear, loud voice.
   • Keep eye contact with the judge or court officer while they are talking to you. This shows that you are paying attention.
   • Do not answer questions if you are not ready. Some lawyers may pressure you to answer quickly, but should not answer unless you fully understand the question.
   • A quick response can cause confusion and inaccuracy in the trial process.

5. 

   Speak in a respectful tone of voice, use polite language, and be mindful of your body language. You need to show respect at all times.
   • Don't take too much action while questioning. Do not use gestures such as waving hands or pointing at the court.
   • Do not criticize anyone in the courtroom, even if you are emotional. You should especially avoid criticizing the judge and court staff.
   • Do not use offensive language or cursing in court.
   • Maintain neutral body language.

6. 

   Stay calm and in control during the hearing. Showing anger will only make you thoughtless and unreliable in the eyes of the judge.
   • You can ask the judge to ask for a short break if you feel like you are angry. Take advantage of this time to calm yourself down.
   • Most judges want you to take a few minutes to control yourself instead of messing around in the courtroom.
   • The judge can convict you of insulting the court for trial harassment, yelling, aggressive verbal or action, or other disrespectful behavior.
   • If you act angry in front of the judge and jury, your reputation will be dashed with anger. The judge or jury will not be on your side if it does not behave appropriately.
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