Going to court can be an intimidating experience. Courts
are busy places and appearing in court for a Family Law
Matter, Business Lawsuit , or any other reason ~
especially if you are going to testify ~ can be stressful.
It can be even more stressful if you do not know what to
expect. However, with preparation, it might not be as
bad as you think.
Arriving at Court: If you have to appear in court, make sure
you arrive in plenty of time. Never be late for a scheduled
hearing. Plan to arrive 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled
hearing to allow for traffic, parking, passing through security,
meeting with your attorney , and navigating the courthouse to find
the correct courtroom.
What to Wear: It is important to dress appropriately when
appearing in court. Everything you wear should be clean, pressed,
and neat in appearance. Men should wear a suit, or pants and a
shirt with a collar. Women should wear a suit, dress, skirt, or pants
that are not too tight, too short, or too revealing. Shorts, t-shirts,
sunglasses, or hats are not allowed in court. Excessive make up,
jewelry, or hairstyles are not advised. If you are unsure about what
to wear, ask your attorney what is appropriate for the courtroom
you will be in.
On at related note, tattoos should be covered (when feasible) and
excessive piercings should be removed for court appearances. While
body art and multiple piercings are more common nowadays, they
are not always viewed positively. If a judge or jury is evaluating
you, your appearance will be part of that evaluation. You do not
want to create an opportunity for a judge or juror to dislike or,
worse, distrust you.
How to Act: A court hearing or trial is a formal legal
proceeding. All persons are expected to be on their best behavior
while in a courtroom. Always treat the judge and other court
personnel with respect.
When you enter a courtroom, turn off all noise-making items such
as cell phones or watches. Food, drinks, and chewing gum are not
allowed inside courtrooms. You can bring magazines, newspapers, or
outside reading materials into the courtroom, but they should be
put away before the judge or jury enters the courtroom. When the
judge or jury enters the courtroom, stand until you are instructed
to sit. Once the judge enters the courtroom, do not talk, whisper or
write notes to anyone, unless your attorney addresses you directly
and needs a response.
When it is time for your court matter to be heard, speak clearly,
politely and loud enough to be heard by the judge, jury, and court
reporter. All responses must be verbal (e.g. not by nodding or
shaking your head). If you address the judge directly or answer a
question the judge has asked, always begin or end your answer with
“Your Honor,” “Sir” or “Ma’am.” When referring to anyone else,
even someone you know well, address him or her as “Mr.,” “Mrs.,”
or “Ms.” Never interrupt when someone else is speaking, especially
the judge, even if you feel like what they are saying reflects badly
on your case or they may be mistaken about the facts. You or your
attorney will get a turn to speak. Sometimes during testimony, an
attorney must object. If this happens while you are testifying, stop
speaking until the judge decides whether you need to finish your
answer.
Bringing Others to Court with You: Court proceedings
are open to the public. You can bring any adult family members,
friends, or clergy with you to support you during your court
appearance. If these persons will NOT be witnesses in your case,
then they can stay and watch the entire proceeding. However,
witnesses have to remain outside the courtroom until they are
called to testify. Witnesses are not allowed to discuss the case with
anyone while they wait to testify. If you are unsure about who to
bring with you, discuss it with your attorney.
Unless the judge or your attorney directs you otherwise, do NOT
bring children to the courthouse. If you cannot avoid bringing your
children to the courthouse, then you should bring a competent adult
to supervise them while you are inside the courtroom, as the
children will not be allowed inside the courtroom while court is in
session. In very few instances, the judge will interview the children
involved. The interviews take place in the judge’s chambers, away
from the courtroom. Discuss with your attorney whether your
children’s statements are needed in your matter.
~ The preceding information was adapted from What to Expect in Texas Family Court created as a public service by The Texas Young Lawyers Association, 2004-2005 Family Law & Children's Rights Committee.
Source: Halliseylaw
Comments