M2 - Learner Manual

The court operates under strict, traditional rules and everyone behaves very formally. It is important that the client understand court etiquette, particularly if they have not had any experience in a courtroom before.

Everyone that appears in court should[1]:

·      Dress neatly

·      Turn off their mobile phone

·      Take off hats and sunglasses

·      Not eat, drink or chew gum

·      Sit quietly

·      Not speak to any member of the jury in the District Court or Supreme Court.

To acknowledge the judge or magistrate, everyone should:

·      Stand whenever the depositions clerk or bailiff calls ‘all rise’ as the magistrate or judge enters or leaves the courtroom and take a seat only once the magistrate or judge does so themselves.

·      Bow their head to acknowledge the magistrate or judge every time they enter or leave the courtroom

·      Address the magistrate or judge as ‘Your Honour’.

When inside the courtroom a defendant should:

·      Stand up whenever the judge or magistrate is speaking to them and maintain eye contact

·      Speak clearly and read from notes if needed.