"Tips on How to Behave
While Waiting or Testifying in Court"
Lawyers are in court all
the time. It is likely that you will not have
spent nearly as much time in a courtroom.
Learning appropriate courtroom behavior will help
you to fit in and feel more comfortable. Then
you can concentrate on presenting your case.
Note: Small claims court is more informal, but
respectful behavior is never wasted. |
Do's
- Do turn off your cell phone (that is, if cell phones are
permitted-No cell phones permitted in
Wicomico, Somerset, Worcester and Dorchester
counties.
- Do exercise self control, no matter what is said in the court room
- Do be respectful to the other side whenever you meet them.
- Do speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard by the judge and the opposing side.
- Do ask the questioner to repeat or clarify any questions that you do not understand.
- Do direct your answers to the person who asked the question. Make eye contact with them.
- Do answer questions that seem stupid or foolish to you.
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Don'ts
- Don't chew gum.
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Don’t argue with the opposing party or his/her attorney.
- Don't
interrupt.
- Don’t react to the answers of witnesses or to the questions from the opposing attorney to indicate your displeasure.
- If you are questioned by the other side
don’t argue with the questioner.
- Don’t ask questions back: “What would you do if…”
- Don’t give flippant answers.
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While you are
waiting in the back of the Court Room
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- Do appear to be paying
attention. It is helpful to actually listen
and learn about the process (and the judge)
before your case.
- Do try to appear pleasant and
interested in the proceedings.
- Do be polite to courtroom staff -
the clerk, the bailiff or others. They work
with the judge and will report behavior.
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- Don't read the newspaper, listen
to your iPod, work on your laptop, chew gum,
use your cell phone or talk to other people
while waiting in the back of the courtroom.
- Don't make faces or roll your
eyes or otherwise show negative reactions to
something happening in the court.
- Don't ignore or treat non-judge
members of the court staff poorly. They are
part of the justice system that will decide
your case.
- Don't act angry or short-tempered
with the judge, even if you are upset by
your case.
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When Speaking to
the Judge
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- Do refer to him/her as "Your
Honor" and speak with respect.
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- Don't act angry or short-tempered
with the judge, even if you are upset about
your case.
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How to Dress for Court
Formal dress is not required in the courtroom but it is polite to be neat and professional.
If you had to come to court
directly from work, it would be worth mentioning that. The judge will understand.
Don’t wear t-shirts with messages.
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