Decorum of the court by hajira rehman

1. Ms. Hajira Rehman
Director Instructions
KPJA

2.  The noun is from Latin decorous, ”proper, becoming,
handsome,” from decour “beauty, grace,” which is also
the source of English decore. The corresponding
adjective is Decorrus . Meaning “well behaved, in a
particular situation.” Both decorum and decorous
are often used to describe behavior in a classroom or
courtroom.

3.  The purpose of this policy is to state certain basic
principals concerning court room behavior and
decorum. When appearing in this court, unless
excused by the presiding judge, all counsel (including
all persons at counsel table) shall abide by the
following (rules of decorum) stand when court is
open, recessed or adjourned.

4.  The quality or the state of being proper or suitable,
appropriateness,
 A. confirming to what is socially acceptable in conduct
or speech.
 B. Fear of offending against conventional rules of
behavior between the customs and manners of polite
society

5.  Some of the basic (courtroom etiquettes) rules
required people to be on time; be polite, to the judge,
opposing counsel, and court staff and dress
appropriately. Many etiquettes mistakes involve
talking, dress, presentation, and electronic devices
being used in court.

6.  Bailiff (assistant) announces. “All rise the court of
designation is now in session, the honorable judge
name presiding.” everyone remains standing until the
(judge enters) and is seated.

7.  Courtroom across the country will vary greatly in size,
appearances, and layout, but each has the same basic
features including the judge's bench, counsel’s table,
witness’s stand, jury box and the gallery.

8.  Conformity to the recognized standard of impartiality,
good taste, modesty etc and decencies the recognized
standard of decent or proper behavior, priorities, the
least you can expect from them some respect for the
decencies.

9. 1. Polite language, calm tone
2. Stand while addressing
3. Make eye contact
4. Use correct form while addressing.
5. Do not interrupt
6. Address include the whole court
7. Ask for clarification while communicating
8. Thanking for listening

11.  Key figures
1. Judge
2. Lawyers and Their clerks
3. Staff
4. Litigants (both complainant and plaintiff)
5. Govt. pleader, prosecutor
6. Witness (official)

12.  Relic of colonial era / British concept
 Sense of decency
 Honor of the ocurt i.e. the chair, not the judge in person

13.  Members of the audience have certain obligations,
however, they must be quite and not talk when court is
in session. They must turn off their cell phones. They
are not allowed to chew gums, or have food or drinks
in the court room. They should be courteous and
respectful of others in the courtroom.

14.  Judges play many roles
 Interpret laws (primary)
 Assess the evidence (substantial)
 Control hearings (supervisory)
 Impartial (the soul)
 Check and overall attention to all
audience (presiding)
 Maintenance of décor (prime
goal)

15.  Bar
 Communication
 Professional
 Academic
 Substantial
 Evidence (both roles)
 Reference of law
 Arguments (both role)
 Announcement (both role)
 Litigant
 Communication
 Hearing during judicial proceedings
 At evidence stage
 Overall behavior

16.  S. Tupper Bigelow book “Legal Etiquettes &
Courtroom decorum”, published by Carswell Company
limited in 1995.