Proper Courtroom Etiquette Tips For Your Personal Injury Lawsuit
Posted on: 16 March 2017
If you are nervous about your personal injury case's day in court, then you are not alone. Since most people don't have experience interacting with the court system, they often wonder how to behave and what things you can, and cannot, do while in the courtroom. Thankfully, by following a couple of simple rules, you will behave correctly in the courtroom.
Here are some tips to ensure that you adhere to proper courtroom etiquette during your personal injury lawsuit:
Tip: Avoid Interacting with the Defendants at the Court House
The courtroom is never the right place to directly interact with the other party in your case. While you may be tempted to say something to the person who caused your injury, the courthouse is not the appropriate place. You hired an attorney to speak for you in court, and this is exactly what you need to let them do. This point is very important, because if you say the wrong thing to the defendants, then they could use that against you in court. The interaction may also be seen by a juror and could sway their decision in your case.
Tip: Use the Proper Respectful Terms for Court Staff
When you need to speak to the judge in your case, you should always use the term "Your Honor" rather than "Sir/Ma'am" or "Mr/Mrs" as this is the respectful way to address a sitting judge.
When you need to speak to the bailiff, you should use "Sir" or "Ma'am" when addressing them. Additionally, you can use the term "officer" since bailiffs are law enforcement officers.
Tip: Prepare for Your Case with Your Attorney Outside of the Courtroom
While you and your attorney will need to communicate a small bit during your time in the courtroom, the majority of the communication between you should be conducted outside. Ideally, you should hash out your case with your attorney in their office where you are certain no one from the other side of your case can hear you. For any last minute conversations, you can speak softly in a corner of the courthouse.
Tip: Use the Same Language and Decorum in Court that You Would Use in Church or School
Finally, no matter how you choose to speak in your personal life, your language and decorum in court for your personal injury case should be the same as you would use in church or school. For example, you should dress nicely, don't curse, be quiet, and try not to fidget while you are waiting.
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