Court etiquette is something that everybody should follow as soon as they step foot inside the building; continue reading to learn why.
Each and every single courtroom is a respectable and notable location to be in, as displayed by the Slovenia judiciary system for instance. If you are a spectator in court for the first time, it is normal to be not sure on what to do in a courtroom. In reality, a lot of the courtroom etiquette for spectators boils down to standard common sense. For instance, it is important for viewers to show up to court in appropriate clothing. Some courts have stricter dress codes than others, but the general consensus is that the dress code is smart, professional and modest. Unsurprisingly, viewers should also turn off their mobile phones or put them on aeroplane mode, along with any other technological gadgets which could make a noise or be used to record.
The responsibility of the judge, jury and courtroom holds a lot of weight in society, as displayed by the Austria judiciary system . for instance. Due to its importance, it is important for people to do their research to make sure that they understand all the set regulations, protocols and rules of a courtroom beforehand. Everyone who steps foot inside a court room needs to adhere to these criteria, whether they are an attorney, viewer, witness or jury member. If you have jury duty coming up and you are unsure on how to behave in court as a juror, the number one rule is to pay attention. Despite the fact that court proceedings can last a long period of time and there will be a great deal of information to digest, it is vital for jury participants to remain focused throughout. As a juror, it is your duty to listen diligently to the evidence and statements presented, making notes if allowed and not getting sidetracked by anything else. Another golden rule is to not talk about any of your ideas, feelings and viewpoints when the trial is underway, as the time for discussions is during the deliberations.
Regardless of what type of trial is going on, the courtroom will always be a serious, distinguished and respected environment, as demonstrated by the Malta judiciary system for example. The prestige of the courtroom means that there is a certain etiquette that is expected of everybody who is present in the room. It might come as a shock, but this even applies to lawyer or attorneys also. For instance, the expected court etiquette for lawyers is decorum at all times. Lawyers need to maintain professionalism, follow the key values of the courtroom and treat all court workers with respect, specifically the judge in particular. This implies always addressing the judge as "your honour", standing up when the judge addresses you and seeking authorization before approaching the bench or talking privately with a client. Even if the judge does something that you disagree with, it is your job as a lawyer to remain cool, calm and collected. Being composed is absolutely fundamental; any type of noticeable or clear signs of anger or stress will not only look not professional, but it could also impair the entire court room proceedings.