Preparing for Court

Courtroom Etiquette

If you find yourself in a courtroom, you should abide by the following customs and rules:

• Do not address the judge or any officer or litigant of the court unless you are invited to do so. During court proceeding, you are doing business with the court as a complete entity. Therefore, you address the court, look directly at the judge, and begin you address to the court with the phrase, “Your Honor.”
• When someone is addressing the court, when they have the floor, he or she is entitled to be fully and fairly heard. Nodding or shaking you head, talking to others, reading or otherwise distracting yourself or others is a grave discourtesy.
• You should never show any outward response to anything said or done in the courtroom. You will get your opportunity to present your truth.
• The court acts in a sovereign capacity and receives no direction from anyone. If the court does something that you believe is unfair or wrong, the proper corrective response would be to object, or to make a verbal or written motion.
• Your appearance broadcasts your attitude. Do not show disrespect to the court by wearing inappropriate clothing. Examples, but not limited to, halter or tube tops, fitness attire, swimwear, sleeping attire, clothing depicting or promoting violence, gang affiliation, illegal drug use or profanity.
• Remove your hat.
• Do not chew gum while speaking to the court or lay your head on the table in front of you.
• No food or drinks.
• If you are an observer of the court proceedings, you should be seated in the gallery section of the courtroom. While in the courtroom, you should remain silent. If you are observing a criminal proceedings of a relative or friend, you should not attempt to communicate with them in the courtroom.