Being in a courtroom requires a specific degree of etiquette; keep reading to discover a lot more.
The responsibility of the judge, jury and court holds a great deal of weight in society, as displayed by the Austria judiciary system for example. Due to its importance, it is important for people to do their research to ensure that they are aware of all the set guidelines, protocols and rules of a courtroom in advance. Everybody who steps foot inside a courtroom must adhere to these standards, whether they are a lawyer, viewer, 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. Despite the fact that court proceedings can last a long time and there will be a lot of information to digest, it is essential for jury members to remain concentrated throughout. As a juror, it is your duty to listen attentively to the evidence and statements presented, making notes if permitted and not getting sidetracked by anything else. Another golden rule is to not talk about any of your thoughts, feelings and viewpoints whilst the trial is underway, as the time for discussions is during the deliberation process.
Regardless of what type of trial is going on, the court will always be a serious, prestigious and respected environment, as demonstrated by more info the Malta judiciary system for example. The prestige of the court suggests that there is a particular etiquette that is expected of every person that is present in the room. It might come as a surprise, but this even applies to lawyer or attorneys also. For instance, the expected court etiquette for lawyers is decorum at all times. Lawyers must maintain professionalism, follow the key values of the courtroom and treat all court workers with respect, specifically the judge in particular. This means always addressing the judge as "your honour", standing when the judge addresses you and seeking authorization 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 visible or clear indications of rage or frustration will not only look improper, but it could also hinder the entire court room proceedings.
Every court is a reputable and distinguished place 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 uncertain on what to do in a courtroom. Honestly, a lot of the courtroom etiquette for spectators boils down to standard common sense. For instance, it is crucial for spectators to turn up to court in appropriate clothing. Some courts have more stringent dress codes than others, but the general consensus is that the dress code is smart, professional and modest. Unsurprisingly, observers must also switch off their smartphones or put them on airplane mode, along with any other technological gadgets which might make a noise or be used to record.