How to Conduct Yourself in Court

When attending a court session, it's vital to follow specific rules within the courtroom. You must speak politely to everyone and maintain composure and control. The judge overseeing your case has authority in the courtroom and is responsible for making final decisions regarding the case. You should act respectfully, be honest, and show courtesy to the jury. Your body language and self-presentation are just as important as what you say in court. Remember that the judge and court staff represent the law, and you must behave accordingly.

Dress Appropriately for Court Appearance. You should choose conservative attire.

• Professional and conservative clothing signals respect for the judge and the court.
• Respectful behavior is essential when acting in court.
• Men should wear a suit or dress pants with a shirt.
• Women should wear a conservative dress, business suit, or pantsuit with a shirt.
• Avoid flip-flops, overly high heels, and sneakers when attending court.
• Stay away from clothes that are too bright or all black from head to toe.
• Wear only essential jewelry, like a wedding ring or watch. Avoid flashy bracelets, earrings, or necklaces.
• Avoid wearing clothes with inappropriate language or imagery.
• Cover up any visible tattoos.
• Remove sunglasses and hats before entering the courtroom.

Notify your friends about courtroom etiquette. If your friends or family members are attending the trial, they need to know how to behave properly.

• Attendees should arrive earlier than the scheduled start time.
• Cell phones are prohibited in the courtroom.
• No eating or chewing gum during the trial.
• Children are allowed in court, but they must remain quiet and respectful. If they cause a disturbance, they will be asked to leave.
• All conversations must take place outside the courtroom.

Know the trial start time and arrive early. It's advisable to arrive early and wait outside the courtroom to be called.

• Contact the court in advance if you're unsure about the exact time to arrive.
• Arrive early to find parking or use public transport.
• Once at the courthouse, ask the court staff where to wait.

Prepare to go through security screening. Most courthouses have security checkpoints.

• You will need to go through a metal detector, so make sure to remove all metallic items from your clothing.
• Weapons are strictly prohibited within the courthouse.
• Do not bring drugs or tobacco. Avoid bringing any illegal substances into the courthouse.

Treat everyone you encounter with respect. You should maintain eye contact when speaking with others.

• Always say "Thank you" to those who assist or provide services to you.
• You never know who you might meet outside the courtroom. The person in line at security or in the elevator could be the judge, lawyer, or a juror.
• Keep your attire neat and tidy throughout your time in court. Do not remove your tie or jacket.
• Only eat and smoke in designated areas.

Listen to the instructions from the supervising officer or guide. This team will direct you to the waiting area and help you find a seat during the hearing.

• Ask the court officer or guide how to address the judge. Some judges prefer titles like "Your Honor" or others.
• Arrive early and ask the staff where to sit.
• Pay attention to any instructions given by the supervising staff or court officials.

Remain silent during the trial until you’re called upon to speak. Avoid talking to others or getting distracted.

• Sit up straight and focus on the case.
• Without focus, you might miss important developments in the trial.
• Avoid chewing gum or eating while the hearing is in session.
• Switch off your phone during the trial. Most courts prohibit phone usage.
• Maintaining silence is crucial as most hearings are recorded.

Be mindful of your body language during the trial. Do not show disrespectful gestures during the proceedings.

• Avoid eye-rolling or frowning when responding to others during the trial.
• Try not to move your limbs too much while seated. Stay still and focused.
• Stay engaged with the trial. Make eye contact with the speaker to show you’re listening.

Stay silent until you're called to speak. Interrupting others during their speech is inappropriate in court.

• The judge will not tolerate disruptions in the courtroom.
• The judge may ask you to leave if you’re causing a disturbance.
• Interfering with the trial creates unnecessary chaos during the proceedings.
• Remember that your body language can also distract others, so control it and stay seated quietly throughout the trial.

Stand when it's your turn to speak. This is a standard procedure in the courtroom.

• You must stand when speaking before the judge or the court, unless instructed otherwise.
• You might be asked to sit at the witness stand during cross-examination.
• Speak loudly and clearly, with a polite tone, when addressing the judge.
• When you finish speaking, be sure to thank the judge for listening.

Address the judge appropriately. The judge represents the court and the law. It's important to show respect.

• Some judges prefer specific titles.
• Consult with the supervising officer or guide before the hearing about how the judge prefers to be addressed.
• If you're unsure, you can refer to the judge as 'Your Honor' unless directed otherwise.

Answer questions clearly and carefully. Always respond truthfully and to the best of your ability. Lying under oath is perjury, which is punishable by law.

• There’s no reason to give brief or evasive answers. Feel free to pause and think before responding.
• If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification.
• Answer clearly and audibly.
• Maintain eye contact with the judge or court officials when they are speaking to you. This shows you’re actively listening.
• Don’t answer unless you're ready. Some lawyers may pressure you to respond quickly, but don’t answer until you fully understand the question.
• Rushed responses can lead to confusion and inaccuracies during the trial.

Speak respectfully, using polite language, and be mindful of your body language. You must show respect at all times.

• Avoid excessive gestures during questioning. Don’t wave your hands or point while testifying.
• Do not criticize anyone in the courtroom, even if you're upset. Be especially cautious not to criticize the judge or court staff.
• Do not use offensive language or curse words in the courtroom.
• Keep your body language neutral.

Stay calm and maintain control during the hearing. Showing anger will make you seem irrational and untrustworthy in the eyes of the judge.

• If you feel anger rising, you can ask the judge for a short break. Use this time to regain composure.
• Most judges prefer that you take a few moments to calm down rather than disrupt the courtroom.
• The judge could charge you with contempt of court for causing a disturbance, shouting, using threatening language or gestures, or engaging in any disrespectful behavior.
• If you act angrily in front of the judge and jury, your reputation may be damaged along with your outburst. The judge or jury won’t be inclined to side with you if you don’t behave appropriately.