Every courtroom has its very own set of rules, requirements and policies that individuals need to abide by; listed here are a few examples.
The responsibility of the judge, jury and courtroom holds a great deal of weight in society, as displayed by the Austria judiciary system for instance. As a result of its importance, it is crucial for people to do their research to ensure that they know all the set regulations, policies and rules of a courtroom ahead of time. Everybody who steps foot inside a court room must adhere to these standards, whether they are an attorney, spectator, 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. Even though court proceedings can last a very long time and there will be a great deal of information to absorb, it is essential for jury participants to stay focused throughout. As a juror, it is your responsibility to listen diligently to the evidence and statements presented, making notes if allowed and not getting distracted by anything else. Another golden rule is to not discuss any of your thoughts, feelings and opinions when the trial is underway, as the time for discussions is during the deliberations.
Regardless of what kind of trial is going on, the court will certainly always be a serious, distinguished and respected environment, as shown by the Malta judiciary system for example. The prestige of the court indicates that there is a particular etiquette that is expected of everybody that is present in the room. It may come as a surprise, but this even applies to lawyers also. For instance, the expected court etiquette for lawyers is decorum at all times. Lawyers have to maintain professionalism, follow the fundamental values of the courtroom and treat all court workers with respect, especially the judge in particular. This suggests always addressing the judge as "your honour", standing up when the judge addresses you and seeking permission 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 role as a lawyer to stay cool, calm and collected. Being composed is definitely fundamental; any kind of visible or clear signs of rage or irritation will not only look incompetent, but it could possibly also impair the whole courtroom proceedings.
Every single court is a reputable and notable place to be in, as demonstrated by the Slovenia judiciary system for example. If you are a viewer in court for the very first time, it is natural to be not sure on what to do in a courtroom. In reality, a lot of the courtroom etiquette for spectators boils down to standard common sense. For instance, it is necessary for spectators to show up to court in appropriate clothing. Some courts have more stringent dress codes than others, however the website general consensus is that the dress code is smart, professional and modest. Unsurprisingly, observers must also turn off their mobile phones or put them on airplane mode, along with any other technological devices which could make a noise or be used to record.