Courtroom etiquette guidance for legal practitioners and the general public.
What is Courtroom Etiquette?
Courtroom etiquette refers to the standards of conduct, dress, communication and professional behaviour expected of everyone appearing before the Court. While some requirements are prescribed by court rules and practice directions, many are founded on longstanding legal tradition, professional courtesy and respect for the administration of justice.
Why Courtroom Etiquette Matters
Courtroom etiquette promotes the effective administration of justice by:
Upholding the rule of law – Respectful conduct reinforces the authority and integrity of the Court.
Supporting the efficient conduct of proceedings – Adhering to established courtroom practices helps minimise disruption and unnecessary delay.
Enhancing professional credibility – Professionalism, courtesy and preparedness foster the confidence of the Court, clients and colleagues.
Promoting fairness – Consistent standards of behaviour help ensure that all participants, including witnesses and self-represented litigants, are treated with dignity and respect.
Do’s and Don’ts for Legal Practitioners
DO
Be Prepared
- Ensure to have a diary/calendar to keep dates for mentions, hearings and trials. If your matter is not on a cause list, write to the Registrar of Courts or a Deputy Registrar to confirm.
- Arrive early and be ready before the scheduled hearing time.
- Ensure all documents have been filed correctly and are legible.
- Check that all authorities cited remain good law.
- Verify the accuracy of any research generated using artificial intelligence.
Dress Professionally
- Comply with the Practice Directions on Courtroom Attire.
- Robe before entering court or joining an online hearing.
- Maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times.
Show Respect to the Court
- Address the Judge as “Your Honour” (or the appropriate judicial title).
- Stand when addressing, or being addressed by, the Judge.
- Speak clearly, politely and formally.
- Treat Judges, court staff, witnesses, clients and opposing counsel with courtesy.
- Address witnesses and counsel by their formal title (e.g. Mr, Ms, Dr or “my learned friend”, where appropriate).
- Remain silent while the Judge is delivering a ruling or judgment.
Conduct Yourself Professionally
- Listen without interrupting.
- Maintain appropriate facial expressions and courtroom demeanour.
- Notify the Court and your opposing counsel if you are running late.
- Seek the Court’s permission for any extension of time or timetable changes.
- Seek permission before leaving the courtroom or conferring privately with your client during proceedings.
During Online Hearings
- Log in early.
- Test your camera, microphone and internet connection beforehand.
- Keep your camera on unless directed otherwise.
- Mute your microphone when not speaking.
- Attend from a quiet, private and professional environment.
DON’T
- Be late without notifying the Court and opposing counsel.
- Interrupt the Judge or opposing counsel.
- Speak over another advocate.
- Display frustration, disbelief or disagreement through facial expressions or gestures.
- Eat during court proceedings.
- Leave the courtroom while your matter is being heard without permission.
- Approach the Bench or witness box without leave.
- Use informal language or first names when addressing the Court, witnesses or counsel.
- Use mobile phones or other devices to interrupt proceedings.
- Use electronic devices for non-court-related purposes.
- Do not photograph or record proceedings without explicit leave—this may amount to contempt.
- Attend an online hearing while driving, travelling or from a public place.
- Take photographs, record proceedings, capture screenshots or share any court recordings or images without the Court’s express permission.
- Share Court recordings or transcripts except as authorised.
- Rely on authorities or AI-generated material without independently verifying their accuracy.
Remember
Professionalism extends beyond advocacy. Courtesy, punctuality, preparation and respect for the Court are fundamental obligations of every practitioner and contribute to the efficient administration of justice.
Consequences of Poor Courtroom Etiquette
Failure to observe appropriate courtroom etiquette may result in serious consequences, including:
- Judicial reprimand – A public reprimand by the Court may adversely affect a legal practitioner’s professional reputation and credibility.
- Costs orders – The Court may make an adverse costs order where a party’s legal representative has acted improperly or discourteously.
- Contempt of court – Disruptive, disrespectful or contemptuous conduct may result in contempt proceedings, which can attract fines, imprisonment or other sanctions.
- Professional disciplinary action – Serious or repeated breaches of professional standards may result in referral to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
Courtroom Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts – General public
DO
- Ensure all your mobile phones and electronic devices are off or on silent mode before entering the courtroom.
- Enter or leave the courtroom quietly so that you do not disrupt the proceedings. You should bow towards the judge as a sign of respect when entering or leaving.
- Stand and bow your head when a judge enters or leaves the courtroom.
- Dress appropriately (no hats or sunglasses or tank tops)
- Sit quietly and avoid conversation. If you need to speak to someone, please step outside the courtroom.
DON’T
- Bring any weapons; dangerous items; tobacco including e-cigarettes; sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives and card knives; flammable items such as aerosol sprays; and, recording devices such as cameras, video cameras and voice recorders.
- Take photos, video recordings or audio recordings. All unauthorised recordings will be deleted. It can also result in your electronic device being confiscated.
- Interrupt the judge.
- Interfere with court proceedings.
- Bring food or drinks into the courtroom (do not eat, chew gum or drink).
- Smoke.
- Bring young children such as infants into the courtroom.
- Lean on the chair in front of you or put your feet on the chairs.
NOTE
If you misbehave or fail to comply with the rules, the judge may order you to leave or be removed from the court.