Courtroom Etiquette

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When people think of Las Vegas, they imagine a bar with rich people with beautiful girls around them, risking their money and partying all night long. However, it’s not just about that. No wonder the fun is not limited here, but also the crime rate here is quite high. As such, a Las Vegas criminal defense attorney is a highly charged individual. Las Vegas criminal defense attorney’s job is to help his client out of all the trouble. A court hearing is held and the court decides whether the person is guilty or not guilty. However, before you enter a courtroom, you should know courtroom etiquette well. After all, there was nothing more humiliating than appearing as an irreverent individual in front of a judge. The following are some guidelines that will help you maintain good courtroom etiquette;

• Cleanliness is the most important of all manners. Of course, this should be something you consider a basic part of, but it’s just as important as anything else. Brush your teeth before the trial, dress neatly and never smoke just before the trial. Shave if you don’t have a beard or mustache.

• Dress well. Your clothes reflect your true personality. Although a suit and tie will do, it doesn’t have to be every time. A neat, neatly tucked shirt will make a respectable avatar. Women also had to dress semi-formally, just to show respect to the court and jury. Women should dress to keep it simple and a little conservative, not overdressing or wearing anything that may be revealing.

• Respect judges. Now it’s not just limited to ‘all rise!’ You can’t interrupt the judge. Let him talk and wait your turn. The judge may interrupt you, but for the sake of your impression of him, you should not make that attempt. You also shouldn’t argue with the judge. Remember, if he says something that doesn’t work for you, pleading and arguing won’t move him.

• Always address lawyers as “Sir” and “Ma’am”. As for the judge, don’t even think about addressing him without the title “Your Majesty”. This is the only title you should call her, “Master” or “Madam” will not work.

• You may not speak unless you are asked to do so. Remain seated and silent until you are called for questioning. While some may interrupt the session to get the jury’s attention, this is not a sensible course of action.

• When you are questioned, you must speak truthfully and precisely. Use polite words. Thank the judge, but don’t overdo it on him. Use “yes” and “no” instead of “yup” or “no”. Also refer to lawyers with courtesy. For example, use “Mr. Martin” instead of “Marty”.

• When you defend a judge, stand tall. You also may not sit down until the judge sits down.

• Turn off your cell phone or at least set it to silent mode when the trial is about to be held. When you have to answer your phone, get out of the courtroom.

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