Every courtroom get more info has its own set of guidelines, requirements and policies that individuals need to abide by; listed below are some examples.
No matter what type of trial is going on, the court will certainly always be a serious, prestigious and reputable environment, as displayed by the Malta judiciary system for instance. The status of the court indicates that there is a certain etiquette that is expected of every person that is present in the room. It might come as a surprise, but this even applies to legal representatives also. For example, the expected court etiquette for lawyers is decorum at all times. Lawyers have to maintain professionalism, follow the key values of the courtroom and treat all court personnel with respect, specifically the judge in particular. This means always addressing the judge as "your honour", standing when the judge addresses you and seeking approval before approaching the bench or speaking privately with a client. Even if the judge does something that you disagree with, it is your role as a lawyer to stay cool, calm and collected. Being composed is absolutely fundamental; any kind of noticeable or obvious signs of outrage or irritation will not only look unprofessional, but it could also hinder the whole courtroom proceedings.
Every courtroom is a respectable and distinguished location to be in, as demonstrated by the Slovenia judiciary system for example. If you are a viewer in court for the first time, it is natural to be unsure on what to do in a courtroom. In reality, a lot of the courtroom etiquette for spectators boils down to basic common sense. For example, it is important for viewers to turn up to court in appropriate clothing. Some courts have stricter dress codes than others, yet the general consensus is that the dress code is smart, professional and modest. Unsurprisingly, observers should also turn off their mobile phones or put them on aeroplane mode, along with any other technological devices which might make a noise or be used to record.
The responsibility of the judge, jury and court holds a great deal of weight in society, as demonstrated by the Austria judiciary system for example. Due to its importance, it is important for people to do their research to make sure that they know all the set guidelines, policies and rules of a courtroom beforehand. Everybody that steps foot inside a courtroom has to abide by these standards, whether they are an attorney, viewer, witness or jury member. If you have jury duty coming up and you are uncertain on how to behave in court as a juror, the number one rule is to pay attention. Even though court proceedings can last a long time and there will be a great deal of information to digest, it is necessary for jury participants to remain focused throughout. As a juror, it is your responsibility to listen attentively to the evidence and statements presented, making notes if permitted and not getting distracted by anything else. Another golden rule is to not discuss any of your ideas, feelings and viewpoints when the trial is underway, as the time for discussions is during the deliberations.