Basic Trial Rules

Before You Go to Court:
- Wear clothes that are suitable (no logos or inappropriate sayings).
- Bring all the documents you need.
- Plan to be at the courthouse at least 15 minutes before your hearing.
- Make sure you have enough time to go through security and a possible security search at the courthouse
- Make sure you have enough time to find your courtroom.
To maintain proper courtroom decorum:
- dress in appropriate attire
- arrive at least 15 minutes before the hearing.
- Except for water, which is authorized, no food or drink in the courtroom.
- Avoid chewing gum
- Remember to turn off your phones and devices.
- Maintain a pleasant and respectful demeanor during the proceedings.
- Stand when the judge enters and exits the courtroom
- Address him/her as “Your Honour”, “Justice ________” or “Madam Justice ________”
- Be respectful to everyone in the courtroom.
- When speaking to the judge, address them directly unless you are questioning a witness.
- Use formal titles such as Ms., Mr., Mrs. or Dr. instead of first names.
- Respectful listening is essential
- Avoid interrupting and let one person talk at a time
- Follow judge’s instructions
- Address judge directly, not the other party except when questioning a witness
- Do not argue with judge
- Avoid rude gestures, swearing
- Know your case and evidence you plan to present
- Ensure witnesses are aware of trial rules and how to testify
- Hand documents to court registrar you want to give judge
- Ask that witnesses be excluded from courtroom