NSW Rules In Court That Must be Followed?
- Thread starter Toqual
- Start date
I'm not keen to answer this general question because its 'how long is a piece of string' and is not necessarily helping with a specific legal need.
People who are going to a court should find out and know the court they are attending, as etiquette and rules can vary. If someone is going to a court, the can find out this information. For example, if I have to go to the Southport Magistrates Court, I will want to know about that, rather than thinking 'what are court rules generally that don't relate to the Southport Magistrates Court'.
So to answer your general question: If you are in the public gallery, then ask the court staff before you enter the court if there are any rules of etiquette you should follow.
People who are going to a court should find out and know the court they are attending, as etiquette and rules can vary. If someone is going to a court, the can find out this information. For example, if I have to go to the Southport Magistrates Court, I will want to know about that, rather than thinking 'what are court rules generally that don't relate to the Southport Magistrates Court'.
So to answer your general question: If you are in the public gallery, then ask the court staff before you enter the court if there are any rules of etiquette you should follow.
Hi Toqual,
The general rule of thumb is to be courteous. Using your phone in the court room is perceived as rude to the judge. As is arriving to court drunk or late. Similarly, placing your feet on the table, not bowing when entering or exiting the courtroom, and placing your suit case on the bar table is perceived as discourteous. They will not get you thrown out of court, however, if you're a lawyer, you should know better and will not give you brownie points with the judge. As a self-litigant, all this is mostly forgiven. Different judges also have different likes and dislikes (e.g. chewing gum). There is no list of court etiquettes, it is something lawyers just pick up on. Best rule of thumb is to do what the other guy is doing.
The general rule of thumb is to be courteous. Using your phone in the court room is perceived as rude to the judge. As is arriving to court drunk or late. Similarly, placing your feet on the table, not bowing when entering or exiting the courtroom, and placing your suit case on the bar table is perceived as discourteous. They will not get you thrown out of court, however, if you're a lawyer, you should know better and will not give you brownie points with the judge. As a self-litigant, all this is mostly forgiven. Different judges also have different likes and dislikes (e.g. chewing gum). There is no list of court etiquettes, it is something lawyers just pick up on. Best rule of thumb is to do what the other guy is doing.
Hi @Toqual,
I understand that you're in NSW but QPILCH has a good summary of court etiquette that applies across most Australian courts and tribunals - dress appropriately, phones off (not just on silent) unless otherwise permitted, no audio/video recording, etc.
I understand that you're in NSW but QPILCH has a good summary of court etiquette that applies across most Australian courts and tribunals - dress appropriately, phones off (not just on silent) unless otherwise permitted, no audio/video recording, etc.
Hi @Toqual
Sitting in the gallery and taking notes on a notepad is common.
Sitting in the gallery and taking notes on a notepad is common.
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