The Essential Do's & Don'ts of Courtroom Etiquette
Courtroom hearings can be intimidating proceedings, even for those who’ve been through the experience before. Whether you’ve been accused of a crime, are party to a civil action, or need to appear in family court, your behavior can have a considerable impact on the outcome of your case. Even when represented by a lawyer, it’s important to follow these do’s and don’ts of courtroom etiquette.
Do:
Be on Time
Almost every courtroom runs on a very tight schedule, so take it seriously. If necessary, plan your route to the courthouse the day before, leaving extra time for traffic, and try to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled court appearance.
Dress Appropriately
Casual clothing in a courtroom can create an unfavorable impression with the judge and jury, so dress as you would for a job interview. Men should preferably wear a suit and tie, and women are expected to wear a suit or a skirt or dress that falls below the knee.
Be Respectful
Don’t:
Speak Out of Turn
Never interrupt the judge, the opposing lawyer, or your legal representative during the proceedings. Not only will this create an unfavorable impression, but it could also result in contempt of court charges.
Leave Your Phone On
Having your phone out during a hearing will almost certainly bring negative attention from the judge, especially if it starts to ring. To be safe, turn off your device before entering the courtroom or leave it in your car.
No matter what legal issue you’re facing, the lawyers at the Bellotti Law Group, P.C., have the knowledge and experience to represent your interests and achieve the best possible outcome. This Boston law firm has been named among the Top 10 by the American Institute of Legal Counsel, and has earned accolades from SuperLawyers and an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbel. Follow their Facebook for more legal tips and updates, and visit their website or call (617) 778-1000 to schedule a consultation with an accomplished lawyer today.
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