LegalFriends

Suggested Court Room Manners

The courts expect dignity and always deserve our respect. The way you appear, behave and present yourself in the courtroom has an important impact on the continued respect for our justice system. Judges and juries expect, and respectful attorneys observe, these forms of behavior:

Never lie to the Court. Saying 'I don't know,' 'I don't remember,' or 'I have no clear memory' when in fact you do, is perjury - a lie committed under oath. Perjury is a serious wrong, a felony, and carries stiff penalties.

Always act with respect to the court. 

Dress to show your respect for the justice system.

Don't be late for your court date.

Don't wear a hat in the courtroom.

Don't talk out turn or interrupt the court.

Show respect for everyone. This includes the court clerk and bailiff.
Leave the children at home.

When waiting  in the court room, do not read newspapers, chew gum, drink coffee, or whisper. Judges especially dislike       gum-chewing and eating in court.

Stand when the judge enters the court room.  Wait for the judge to sit before you sit down again.
Do not speak until the judge asks you to.
Address the judge as 'Your Honor,'  or 'the Court.' Avoid calling the judge 'sir,' 'Ma'am,' 'Mr.' or 'Ms.'
Do not interrupt anyone speaking to the court.
Have your case ready on trial day.
Bring all your witnesses to court on trial day.                                                           

Finally, be polite, smile, make eye contact with the Judge. Be passionate about your case. If you don't care, will the Judge?

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