Be honourable, candid and trustworthy when dealing with your opponent. Spelling out names and terms will disrupt the flow of evidence and may annoy or distract the judge.ġ0.Give the associate a list of the full names of the witnesses and any technical terms that may be used by (expert) witnesses.Provide an order of witnesses and glossary of terms. If you require a throat soother or medication, seek permission from the judge first.ĩ.Gum chewing, lollies (even cough lozenges or mints), medication, food, beverages, or newspapers are NOT allowed.You are responsible for advising clients, witnesses, and associates about proper courtroom etiquette and behavior. Remember vibrations can be audible and annoying, especially when the phone or device is resting on the bar table.ħ.At least switch phones and electronic devices them to silent mode.Turn off mobile phones and electronic devices before entering the courtroom. That is, remove them completely - don’t rest sunglasses on your head as if you’re going to the café.Ħ. You should remove your sunglasses and/or hat before entering the court.Short sleeve shirts or blouses, stringy or strapless tops, and loose ties are a definite “ No No”.Court is not a fashion parade and bright colours and patterns can be distracting for the judge. Colours should be conservative, and generally subdued. For applications and solicitors’ attire – While it is not strictly necessary to wear a suit (especially for women), you should always wear a jacket.Ill-fitting robes should be tossed and replaced. Old and tattered robes do not display wisdom, but rather, a shabby advocate. Never wear dirty or stained jabots and bibs. Under garments (pants or skirt) should be dark to match the robes. Bibs are worn over the lapels of the bar jacket, jabots are also worn out but the under garment should be neatly tucked in (if not attached to a white shirt). No hair should be shown at the forehead under wigs. Barristers may need to be formally robed in certain hearings.You are holding yourself out as an organised, prepared professional - look the part! Wear clothing that would be appropriate for business. Excepting for the robe, you should dress as the judge dresses. Court proceedings are formal occasions.Put simply, appropriate grooming will make you look and feel ‘the part’.Expressions of ‘out of the ordinary’ individualism such as outlandish hairstyles, disheveled facial hair, eccentric make up, bizarre piercings and exposed tattoos are less appreciated in the conservative setting of the court.Be clean, neat and tidy in your appearance and grooming.Clean and tidy appearance is appropriate, like for most business and formal occasions. Have your papers in order, tabbed and readily ascertainable so they can be placed on the bar table quickly, quietly and efficiently.Ĥ.If the hearing before you is in ‘open court’, then sit in the public gallery inside court, ready to move to the bar table when called. Be nearby and alert to the call of your case by the court officer or associate.Know the courtroom and the time your matter is due to be called.Arriving early is much better that arriving late, and a late arrival will be seen as being utterly disrespectful. And allow flexibility for possible delays in traffic or taking a wrong turn.The judge is not interested in your “good excuse” for running late. If you apprehend you are likely to be late, then get a message to the judge’s associate and your opponent.Have your appearance slips prepared or noted. Make sure you arrive well before your hearing time. ![]()
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