Being in a court room requires a particular level of etiquette; keep reading to figure out much more.
No matter what sort of trial is going on, the court will always be a serious, prestigious and respected setting, as shown by the Malta judiciary system for example. The status of the courtroom indicates that there is a certain etiquette that is expected of every person that is present in the room. It could come as a surprise, but this even applies to legal representatives too. For instance, the expected court etiquette for lawyers is decorum at all times. Lawyers should maintain professionalism, adhere to the key values of the courtroom and treat all court workers with respect, especially the judge in particular. This implies always addressing the judge as "your honour", standing up when the judge addresses you and seeking approval before approaching the bench or talking privately with a client. Even if the judge does something that you do not agree with, it is your job as a lawyer to stay cool, calm and collected. Being composed is absolutely fundamental; any visible or clear indications of temper or irritation will not only look unprofessional, but it could possibly also hinder the whole court room proceedings.
The responsibility of the judge, jury and court holds a great deal of weight in society, as demonstrated by the Austria judiciary system for instance. Due to its importance, it is essential for individuals to do their research to ensure that they know all the set regulations, policies and rules of a courtroom ahead of time. Everybody that steps foot inside a court room has to adhere to these standards, whether they are a lawyer, observer, 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. Although court proceedings can last a long time and there will be a lot of information to absorb, it is essential for jury participants to stay focused throughout. As a juror, it is your responsibility to listen attentively to the evidence and statements provided, making notes if allowed and not getting distracted by anything else. Another golden rule is to not talk about any of your thoughts, feelings and viewpoints while the trial is underway, as the time for discussions is during the deliberation process.
Each and every single court is a respectable and distinguished place to be in, as displayed by the Slovenia judiciary system for instance. If you are a spectator in court for the very first time, it is normal to be unsure on what to do in a courtroom. Honestly, a lot of the courtroom etiquette for spectators comes down to simple common sense. For example, it is vital for viewers to show up to court in appropriate attire. Some courts have stricter dress codes than others, but the general consensus is that the dress code is smart, professional and modest. Unsurprisingly, spectators should also turn off their smartphones or put them on airplane mode, along with any other technological gadgets which might make a noise or here be used to record.