TEN BASIC RULES FOR BEHAVIOR IN THE COURTROOM
1. Be on time and at least ten minutes early.
2. Stand as soon as the Judge enters the room until they say you may sit.
3. Stand whenever the Judge speaks to you and whenever you address them.
4. Always address the Judge as "Your Honor" or "Judge [last name]".
5. Speak to the Judge, never to the opposing witnesses or counsel.
6. Stop talking as soon as the Judge talks and answer questions directly.
7. Don't show any reaction to the opposing witnesses by laughing, shaking your head, or interrupting them.
8. Make your testimony short, to the point, and don't include anything other than what happened. Speak slowly in a civil tone.
9. No matter what the verdict, after the Judge says the hearing is over, stand and say "Thank you, Your Honor."
10. Do not say anything to the opposing witnesses or counsel afterwards.
1. Be on time and at least ten minutes early.
2. Stand as soon as the Judge enters the room until they say you may sit.
3. Stand whenever the Judge speaks to you and whenever you address them.
4. Always address the Judge as "Your Honor" or "Judge [last name]".
5. Speak to the Judge, never to the opposing witnesses or counsel.
6. Stop talking as soon as the Judge talks and answer questions directly.
7. Don't show any reaction to the opposing witnesses by laughing, shaking your head, or interrupting them.
8. Make your testimony short, to the point, and don't include anything other than what happened. Speak slowly in a civil tone.
9. No matter what the verdict, after the Judge says the hearing is over, stand and say "Thank you, Your Honor."
10. Do not say anything to the opposing witnesses or counsel afterwards.