Featured image: Courtesy of Emdx/Wikimedia Commons
By: Sylvia Lorico
For people attending provincial or federal courts, either for a case or just as a visitor, it can be incredibly intimidating. To ease you in, we’ve written a few guidelines on etiquette, just so you don’t get kicked out or… worse (kidding).
1. Security
Even before you walk into the courtroom, there are a few rules to follow. Your bags and person will be searched before entering the courtroom. Do NOT bring any sharp or suspicious objects such as scissors. As well, leave any food or drinks out of the courtroom.
2. Daily court schedules
After passing the security, you must pick up a daily court schedule at the information desk or security. The list is essential: it will detail when and where your case will take place. Whether you are at court for a case or just as a visitor, always enter your chosen courtroom at the given time.
3. Electronics
You cannot use any sort of electronics to record, photograph, receive texts or even digitally transcribe in the courtroom unless told otherwise. Oftentimes, the clerk will ask members of the public to turn off all devices prior to the start of the hearing or trial.
P.S. If you’re a journalist, you need to bring the good ol’ notebook to record anything.
4. Standing/sitting while in the courtroom
Always enter the courtroom quickly and quietly. If the judge enters the courtroom after you are seated, always rise. If you enter the courtroom while court is in session, simply have a seat quietly. As a member of the public, you are free to enter or exit courtrooms unless otherwise stated by the clerk or security.
5. Addressing the judge
In provincial court and superior courts, always address the judge as “Your Honour.” Outside the courtroom, they are referred to by “Judge (surname).” Justices who deal with bail, traffic and bylaw matters are addressed as “Your Worship” when they are presiding.
Bonus: speaking in court
If you happen to be in court for a specific case, wait until your name is called to the stand before you approach. Introduce yourself by stating your first and last name. Speak loudly and clearly to the judge. Remember: a judge can offer you clarification into parts of the legal system but are not allowed to grant you any type of legal advice.
(Courtesy of probonolawalberta/YouTube)
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