Courts are formal places where everyone is expected to follow some basic rules of behaviour:
It is usual for anyone entering or leaving the courtroom to bow in the direction of the judge or magistrate.
When giving evidence it is important to remember the correct way to address the judge or the magistrate (Your Honour).
Eating, drinking or smoking is not allowed.
Mobile phones must be switched off before entering the court.
Talking with people around you is not encouraged and you should go outside if you wish to have a conversation.
Taking notes is generally not permitted and making loud comments or noises or other distracting behaviour when someone is giving evidence is not acceptable. Court officers will approach people and let them know that certain behaviour is not acceptable and may ask the person to leave the court. Such behaviour might also impact on the outcome of the case.
If you are attending a courthouse where there are security checks you make have to pass through a metal detector, have your bags checked, and /or place your belongings placed on a conveyor belt for scanning. Sometimes you can be requested to leave certain belongings with the sheriffs until you leave the court (such as camera phones, spray cans, sharp objects).
