How to Know What Not to Do in Court

If you have never been inside a courtroom you have no way of knowing which actions are acceptable and which are offensive. Court is the highest place of esteem that we can attend outside of church and proper respect must be given at all times.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

What not to do in court

1. Be silent during a court proceeding. Whether you are a spectator in the body, a juror, a potential witness or one of the parties, do not talk to anyone when the judge is in the courtroom, unless either the judge or a lawyer or the courtroom clerk is addressing you.
2. Stand when you are asked a question unless you are a sworn witness in the stand. If you are spoken to otherwise during a proceeding, remember that all your responses and answers are directed to the Court (the judge) even if asked by someone else, and so you must stand in respect, to give your answer.
3. Leave food or drink outside the courtroom with the exception of water. Many courts provide jugs of ice water for the parties of a proceeding and to witnesses. Spectators and jurors might need to bring in their own bottles of water if none is supplied for them.
4. Read only a small, discreet book in the courtroom. If you are not part of the proceeding and are there as moral support for a party or witness and you know you will be there for a while, then bring a small book and keep it out of eyesight of the Court.
5. Find care for small children. Try to get a babysitter for the day you need to attend court.
6. Stay in the courtroom once session has begun. You should wait for the recess breaks to go to the bathroom or get something to eat or drink. If you cannot wait, then leave quietly and only when absolutely necessary.
7. Leave electronic devices such as cell phones, mp3 players, iPods or laptops outside the courtroom or at home. These can conflict with the procedural recording devices and can also be distractions. Most courts will warn the people prior to a proceeding about the use of these devices, and will permanently confiscate them from you if you are caught using them.
8. Never wear strong fragrant perfumes when inside the courtroom as most courts are qualified as “fragrant free” and you will likely be asked to leave. Many judges and staff suffer with allergies, and proceedings have been delayed or canceled because of excess perfume in the air.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are in court as a witness or juror, do not assume that you will be done early so that you can return home or to work. It is advisable to plan on attending a full day at court since no one can presume the length of any one testimony or submission, or foresee any unexpected delays.