Visiting court means adhering to a set of rules that don’t normally apply in the outside world. The legal system is old and revered, and likes to be taken seriously. This means the way you behave and dress matters in your impression on those deciding your future. If you are confused about any aspect of going to court, contact Vanessa Ash for legal advice. Your first chat is free.

What you should do 

• Turn off your mobile phone
• Don’t lose your composure, get angry or have an emotional outburst
• Show respect to everyone – you never know who is having coffee with your judge or lawyer!
• Speak clearly and loud enough that the judge can hear you properly
• If you don’t understand a question, ask the person who questioned you directly to clarify or repeat themselves
• Look people in the eye
• Answer all questions no matter how stupid they might seem – many questions are a matter of formality, but you may not understand the significance of certain information

What you should never do

• Don’t argue with any opposing parties and/or their lawyers
• Chew gum, eat, or drink
• Don’t interrupt any person who is talking – you will get your turn (or your lawyer will)
• Don’t give silly answers to questions
• Don’t ask questions you are not entitled to ask of any person in the courtroom (for example asking the judge how they would feel if…)

Generally good behaviour 

• Pay attention, learn about the court process – don’t sit on your phone playing games
• Be nice!
• Never be rude to courthouse staff, or in fact anyone in the court
• Leave your ipod or newspaper at home – this is not the place
• Don’t make faces (eye-rolling, head-shaking, etc.)
• You won’t always get the outcome you want, but be gracious in the face of negative outcomes, despite how hard it might be – this response could affect future outcomes if you make a bad impression on the judge

How to address the judge

• Always address the judge as Your Honour and speak respectfully, even if you don’t feel it
• Be polite, courteous and respectful to the judge at all times

What to wear

• Be neat and professional
• If for some reason you aren’t able to make it there on time without changing clothes, say from work, make sure the judge knows
• Avoid t-shirts generally, but especially t-shirts that have messages or slogans on them.
• Avoid cleavage, short skirts or shorts, singlets, overly skimpy outfits, costumes, flip-flops, and anything that might make it appear as though you weren’t taking the court seriously
• Take hats off
• Don’t arrive looking disheveled, sweaty, smelly or dirty
• Get a haircut, turn up early, tuck your shirt in and wear a belt

How to act

• When the judge enters the room, everyone stands up and doesn’t sit down until the judge does
• Everyone stands when the judge leaves the room too, until they are clear of the door
• Follow the lead of everyone else in the room (they’ll usually be clear about what’s required)
• Don’t ever tell lies in court – it is considered a major issue and if you get caught, doesn’t bode well
• Be polite and respectful to everyone, including your opposing team – the point of court is to deal with the issue at hand objectively, so help that to happen neatly
• Answer the judge with ‘Your Honour’, sir, or ma’am

Get sound legal advice from an experienced lawyer.