How -To Behave in the Courtroom
7 Tips for Making the Experience Pleasant
Courtroom Behavior Tip # 1 - Respect the Judge's Authority
Acting in a respectful manner in court is sure to win some points with the judge. Too many times people arrive in court and talk to the judge as if he or she is on the streets. This is a big mistake. When inside the courtroom always address the judge as "your honor" and not as "Judge and last name." By referring to the judge as "your honor" you are respecting the authority of the judge's position and can help make things go smoothly for your case.
Courtroom Behavior Tip # 2 - Wait Your Turn
In all court cases, each litigant is given their turn to speak. Refrain from interrupting the judge and the opposition. When you interrupt the judge or others, it can make the case more complicated to understand and it shows a lack of respect for others. You will get your chance to make your case in the courtroom. You must be patient and the judge will not forget you are there to have your side of the story heard in the courtroom.
Courtroom Behavior Tip # 3 - Be Prepared
When you arrive in the courtroom, you must be thoroughly prepared. Make sure you have all documents to support your case. In some circumstances, the judge may give you extra time to have the documents sent to the court, if you were not able to obtain those documents prior to the court date. Make sure all of your witnesses, if applicable, are prepared to give testimony. Good preparation means you are able to present your case to the court without having to repeat the same information over and over again. You should be able to make your point in one or two explanations to the judge.
Courtroom Behavior Tip # 4 - Be On Time
When you are to appear in court is imperative to the case that you arrive on time. If you are to be in the courtroom at 9:15 a.m. be there at 9:00 a.m. at the latest. Judges do not like to wait for tardy litigants, so do not keep them waiting. Also, if you are late it can jeopardize your case by making you look unreliable. Always show up to the courtroom at the specified time.
Courtroom Behavior Tip # 5 - Appearance
Dressing for the courtroom is very important. Do not arrive in the courtroom wearing blue jeans and a baseball cap or your clubbing outfits. You should always dress to impress for court. You should wear either a suit or casual business attire. By dressing nicely, you show you have some form of professionalism and it can help your case.
Courtroom Behavior Tip # 6 - Body Language
When in the courtroom, the judge may be watching your body language. Body language is one of the best ways to show respect and professionalism. When in the courtroom, refrain from slouching over the stand or having your arms crossed. These forms of body language may be perceived as a threat to the judge. Instead of slouching over the stand and crossing your arms, stand straight up with your hands to your side or on the table. You must pay special attention to your body language inside the courtroom because it can be a clue of deception. Refrain from rolling the eyes or looking away when answering a question. Always look the judge in the eyes when answering any and all questions inside the courtroom.
Courtroom Behavior Tip # 7 - Eating and Drinking
As a rule of thumb, there should be no eating or chewing gum in the courtroom. If you are hungry, eat prior to entering the courtroom. Never chew gum inside the courtroom as this can impair your speech and make your statements unclear to the judge. Do not bring your own drinks into the courtroom. Most courtrooms will offer you water. Drink the water as needed to quench thirst or clear your throat during your case.
These tips for behaving inside the courtroom are sure to make sure your case goes smoothly. Remember your behavior in court can have an impact on the outcome of your case, thus pay special attention to your actions inside the courtroom. I hope these tips will be helpful to you in any future court cases in which you may become involved.
Published by Kristina Jones
Kristina Jones hails from Fort Lewis, WA where her husband proudly serves his country. She has a degree in Criminal Justice. She also has two young daughters and enjoys writing about almost anything. View profile
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- Always be on our best behavior when inside the courtroom.
- Remember to be respectful of both the judge and the other litigant.
- Pay special attention to your body language and appearance.
16 Comments
Post a CommentI spoke up for myself in the Issaquah, WA district court to Judge Nault, and he called me a liar, and told me I could not contact my daughter for 5 years..on an Anti-Harassment Order. He was unethical and immoral, and you must be very suspicious..as the courts are corrupt. Do not get embroiled in a court order issue...there is no real justice. It reflects how corrupt the whole system is, and the govt. included...Listen to Republic Broadcasting Network...
I luv some of the comments. Judge Judy has turned in to a screeming idiot that sounds like she needs to be on midication. She is rude, obnocious,and not nearly as smart as she thinks she is or she wouldn't sit before all of America and act like a fool. Many of her names that she calls people applies to herself also. And since when are court rooms turned in to English classes? She corrects everyone's English but only recently I heard her say "Can I have those papers please." The answer to that is "You may, if you can." Proper is May I have those papers please. We, along with many of our friends have stopped watching her because it is nothing but a circus. I like the court room shows but Judge Judys show is ugly, degrading, and mean. She is mean and I feel for her children and grandchildren, and her poor husband. I can't help but wonder if the man is treated the same way. If so he needs to move on and leave that craay woman alone.
another great piece of work here.
Great tips, especially the one about respecting the judge's authority.
I have gone to court with people and its amazing to see how disrespectful and casual some people dress and act in a courtroom.
Very good tips! :)
Ha great article!
Well done. I couldn't begin to tell you how many clients of mine refused to follow these reasonable guidelines and needlessly cast themselves in a bad light.
Good article - some judges REALLY hate cell phones - if you must have yours own, keep it on vibrate!
Very good article!