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COURTROOM PROCEDURES
AND PROTOCOL |
- Arrive at the Hall of Justice 15
minutes early so that you can locate the proper Courtroom. If you see
your name on the white bulletin board outside the courtroom or on the
docket attached to the cork bulletin board, then by all means go into
the courtroom indicated. If you still do not know where your case will
be heard, then go into the Clerk's office and we will help you.
- Dress appropriately. Dress slacks, shirt, skirt or
blouse show respect for the Court. Clean jeans and dress shirt would
also be acceptable. Hats are not allowed.
- Food or drinks are not allowed in
the courtroom.
- Weapons of any kind are not
allowed in the Hall of Justice.
- The courtroom is not an
appropriate place for children. Please arrange for someone to watch
them while you are in court. Even if you plan on leaving your children
in the lobby, if they are too noisy, it disturbs court proceedings and
security may have you remove them from the building.
- Review your paperwork before your hearing. Stick to
the FACTS. Try not to ramble when offering your side
of the situation as your time is limited.
- Remember to address the Judge when speaking, not
the other party or their attorney. Don't interrupt the Judge or the
other party/lawyer. Wait until it is your turn to speak. Remember to
stand when addressing the Judge.
- The Judge will ask you questions. If you don't
understand the question, say so. Be direct. If you don't know an
answer, say so. Take time when answering questions to make sure you
answer thoroughly.
- Be respectful and courteous at all times with the
Court. Always address the Judge as "Your Honor". Do not interrupt. If
something needs to be clarified, wait until it is your turn to speak
or ask to speak again.
- Be sincere. Don't be sarcastic or argue with the
Court or the other party. Stay calm.
- If you are stating dates, times, places, etc., be
exact. If you cannot be exact, make it understood that you are only
estimating.
- Speak clearly and distinctly, using words, phrases,
and terminology that you can understand.
- Remain courteous to the Judge after the ruling.
Approach the bench where the Judge and clerk are seated only when told
to do so by the Judge.
- You may bring a friend or family member for moral
support. That person must remain silent, however, and must remain
seated in the audience. He or she cannot approach the Judge with you.
- Avoid laughing or talking about the case in the
hallway or restrooms of the Hall of Justice in such a way that the
other party, counsel or witnesses for the other party may see or hear
you.
- After the Judge has made a ruling on the issues
brought before him, make sure he signs your written order. When that
order is filed with the Clerk's Office the decision becomes official.
If the order is submitted later, the Judge will require both sides to
sign it. If the other party won't sign it, you will have to schedule a
hearing on the docket to ask the Judge to enter the order. The other
side must be properly served notice of the hearing date and time you
have scheduled to present the order.
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These are the rules that
apply to attorneys regarding Courtroom
procedure and etiquette, and must be followed by people who are "pro
se" (representing themselves) also.
Provided by:
Roni A. Booth, Cowlitz County Clerk
Related Link of Interest:
Washington Court Rules, Cowlitz County Superior Court
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