Post
by Mk2010 » Thu Mar 24, 2011 5:28 pm
I found these tips below (thx to freemovement press)
Court Etiquette
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A lot of the basics of court etiquette may sound obvious, but it is the obvious things that
people tend not to do. A few simple instructions to start with:
- Be on time. Court starts at 10:00am. If you are ever late then apologise to the IJ immediately do not simply make an excuse.
- Dress appropriately suits. Even in the summer, do not take off your jacket without permission from the IJ.
- No eating & drinking in court. There is water provided on the table, do not take your own drinks in with you.
- Turn off mobile.
- Address IJ appropriately Sir/Madam, and always remember to stand whenever an IJ enters or leaves the room
- Address the appellants (you) representative appropriately. The representative may refer to you as my friend this is a term that legal professionals use. You should refer to the representative as the appellant?s representative or if you have taken their name refer to
them by that (Mr / Mrs / Ms).
- Use plain English at all times whilst it is unavoidable that technical issues will have to be addressed, there is no necessity to use some of the language that the judiciary or legal professionals may use.
- If you need a comfort break then ask for one.
- The courtroom is a professional environment. Do not argue with anyone.
If the representative is interrupting questions or submissions it is the IJ who will deal with this.
- All conversations to be conducted through the IJ. At no point should you and the rep get into a conversation or a dispute across the IJ.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Cheers