Courtroom Etiquette

If it is your first time attending family court, there is etiquette that you may want to keep in mind.

First, be on time. If your matter is scheduled for 9:30 AM, be at the courthouse before 9:30 AM. Aim to be at the courthouse early enough so that you can go through security and find your courtroom. Often outside the courtroom there is a list of court matters to be heard. You should find the number of your matter, as judges may refer to matters by their number.
When the judge enters, everyone must stand up to show respect. Counsel, court staff and the judge will bow to each other. You should bow as well. The Court Registrar (the person in black robes) may open court with a statement and then invite everyone to be seated. Please do not sit down until the Registrar or judge invites you to do so.

When speaking to a judge, please address them as “Your Honour” or “Madam Justice (last name)” or “Mister Justice (last name)”. If you are speaking in court, make sure you speak clearly, loudly and not too fast.

Turn off your cellphone and other electronics that may make noises. No food, gum or beverages are allowed in courtrooms.

Please refrain from making faces while someone is speaking. Excessively nodding or making disapproving expressions can be distracting to judges, as they have a good view of the whole court. Try to maintain a neutral expression while everyone is speaking.

People in court:
The judge will be the person sitting in the middle, often they will be wearing black robes and a red sash. Typically, the Court Registrar is the person in the black robes in front of the judge. This person manages the files and activities in the courtroom. Documents, when a judge gives permission, are to be handed to the Registrar. The Court Reporter is usually on the judge’s left side and is in front of a computer. The Court Services Officer is the person wearing a dark blazer with a crest on the breast pocket and manages the people in the courtroom.