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In this lesson, you will learn tips for courtroom behavior, how much emotion to show, and what to wear.
General rules of behavior
- Don’t ridicule or make faces when you don’t like what’s being said.
- Don’t be condescending.
- Turn off your cellphone.
- Don’t chew gum or eat.
- Don’t curse, argue, quarrel, or display other strong emotions.
- Always be polite and respectful to court staff.
- Go to court wearing attire that is casual but respectful.
- Arrive at court on time and prepared to argue
- Don’t interrupt while the judge is speaking. Exception: When the opposing attorney and the judge are buddy-buddy talking across you, politely interrupt to let them know you’re still there.
Transcript
Don\’t ridicule or make faces when you don\’t like what\’s being said.
Don\’t be condescending.
And turn off your cell phone.
Don\’t chew gum.
Don\’t eat food.
Don\’t curse, argue, quarrel, or display any other strong emotions.
Turn the emotions you have towards your opponent into a well researched and prepared legal argument.
You should always be polite and respectful to court staff, not only because they often have the judge\’s ear, but because it makes you look prepared.
Don\’t go to court looking like a lawyer all dressed up in slick. But don\’t overdo the casualness by being too sexy or rumpled, either.
Go for the casual but respectful look. That is, look like you represent yourself.
Whether you\’re preparing for court or trying to get there, start early.
If being late is unavoidable, get a message to the judge and your opponent that you\’re running late. They get to decide whether your tardiness is acceptable and if they should wait.
When you arrive, be prepared to argue and follow court procedures.