Ask a New Question
Menu

Around the country, different judicial buildings have different codes of conduct for courtroom demeanor. What is acceptable in one courtroom may be frowned upon in another. For this activity, you will be constructing an easy-to-understand, straightforward code of conduct that would be acceptable for criminal and civil courtrooms across the nation. In it, you will outline at least 10 guidelines for appropriate dress and demeanor. But first, you must decide if these rules will be for courtroom professionals, defendants, or jury members. Finally, you will create a handout that could be given to your selected group before a court hearing. Step 1: Create a Template Before you even jump into the research aspect of this activity, take a moment to structure your handout. This way, once you complete the research, it will be simple to insert your findings into your document and add the finishing touches. Your submissions should be structured as follows (or very similar to this): Introduction page Your name & name of the handout Handout: 10 different guidelines for appropriate courtroom dress and conduct. Make sure your handout includes the following: The target group (courtroom professionals, defendants, or jury members) One image to accompany each rule Explain or describe the reasoning for this guideline in your own words Final page includes any websites and resources you used to complete this activity Step 2: Research, Input, Create Now that you know what you will need to research, you can start exploring online and seeking out all of the information above. You may choose to take notes while researching and then input the information into your document afterward, or you may decide to input the information as you find it—the choice is yours! You are welcome to add your own elements of creativity to the handout or additional pictures and graphics. As long as all of the required information is included, any additional flair is completely acceptable (but not required). You may use bullet points for the majority of information if you would like, or you may use complete sentences/paragraphs. To complete this activity, please submit your document.

3 answers

Introduction Page

Code of Conduct for Defendants in Court

Prepared by: [Your Name]
Date: [Insert Date]

Handout: Guidelines for Appropriate Courtroom Dress and Conduct for Defendants

Target Group: Defendants

1. Dress Neatly and Modestly

Image of suitable attire

  • Reasoning: Wearing clean and appropriate clothing shows respect for the court and the legal process. Casual or overly revealing clothing may give a negative impression.

2. Avoid Excessive Accessories

Image of simple accessories

  • Reasoning: Limit flashy or distracting jewelry and accessories. This helps maintain focus on the proceedings rather than on personal style.

3. Maintain a Respectful Demeanor

Image of courtroom demeanor

  • Reasoning: Always be calm and respectful. Disrespectful behavior can negatively influence the judge and jury against you.

4. Stay Quiet Unless Addressed

Image of a quiet courtroom

  • Reasoning: Conversations and distractions can disrupt court proceedings. Speak only when it is your turn or when asked by the judge.

5. Limit Emotional Expressions

Image of neutral expressions

  • Reasoning: While it’s normal to feel emotions, excessive displays can be seen as a lack of control. Aim for a composed demeanor throughout the hearing.

6. Arrive on Time

Image of a clock

  • Reasoning: Arriving late can lead to delays and reflects poorly on your respect for the court’s time.

7. Turn Off Electronic Devices

Image of a switched-off phone

  • Reasoning: Electronic devices can be disruptive. Ensuring they are turned off keeps the courtroom conducive to legal proceedings.

8. Address the Court Properly

Image of proper courtroom addressing

  • Reasoning: Use appropriate titles, such as “Your Honor,” when speaking to the judge. This shows respect and understanding of courtroom protocol.

9. Keep Hands Visible

Image of visible hands

  • Reasoning: Keeping hands visible fosters an atmosphere of transparency and calmness. It may also help avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

10. Be Honest and Truthful

Image of an honest gesture

  • Reasoning: Honesty is critical in court. Misrepresentation can have legal consequences and damage your credibility.

Conclusion

Following these guidelines will help you conduct yourself appropriately in court and create a positive impression before the judge, jury, and other courtroom officials. Remember, the courtroom is a place of law and order, and your demeanor and dress reflect your respect for that environment.

Resources

  1. American Bar Association - Courtroom Etiquette
  2. Law Dictionary - Courtroom Conduct Guidelines
  3. Local Court Rules - Your Local Court's Website

[Insert any additional resources or citations as necessary.]

Feel free to modify the template or content as needed!

make it in the work of a 10th grader

Introduction Page

Code of Conduct for Defendants in Court

Prepared by: [Your Name]
Date: [Insert Date]

Handout: Guidelines for Appropriate Courtroom Dress and Conduct for Defendants

Target Group: Defendants

1. Dress Neatly and Modestly

Image of suitable attire

  • Reasoning: Wearing clean and proper clothes shows you respect the court. Casual or revealing outfits can make a bad impression.

2. Avoid Excessive Accessories

Image of simple accessories

  • Reasoning: Too much jewelry or flashy accessories can be distracting. Keep it simple so the focus stays on what’s important.

3. Stay Respectful in Behavior

Image of courtroom demeanor

  • Reasoning: Always be calm and respectful. If you act rude or disruptive, it could hurt your case.

4. Be Quiet Unless Speaking

Image of a quiet courtroom

  • Reasoning: Talking while others are speaking or when it’s not your turn can disrupt the court. Wait until you are called on.

5. Control Your Emotions

Image of neutral expressions

  • Reasoning: Try to stay calm. Showing too many emotions can make it seem like you’re not in control and can affect how the judge and jury see you.

6. Arrive on Time

Image of a clock

  • Reasoning: Coming late can cause delays and shows a lack of respect for the court’s time. Make sure to be on time.

7. Turn Off Your Phones

Image of a switched-off phone

  • Reasoning: Phones can be distracting and disruptive. Make sure your phone is off so there are no interruptions.

8. Speak Properly to the Court

Image of proper courtroom addressing

  • Reasoning: Always say “Your Honor” when talking to the judge. This shows that you understand how to act in court.

9. Keep Your Hands Visible

Image of visible hands

  • Reasoning: Keeping your hands where everyone can see them helps create an atmosphere of honesty and calmness.

10. Be Honest

Image of an honest gesture

  • Reasoning: Being honest is very important in court. Lying can ruin your credibility and hurt your case.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, you can show the court that you respect the legal process and want to do your best. Remember, the courtroom is a serious place, and how you dress and behave will affect how others see you.

Resources

  1. American Bar Association - Courtroom Etiquette
  2. Law Dictionary - Courtroom Conduct Guidelines
  3. Local Court Rules - Your Local Court's Website

[Insert any additional resources or citations as necessary.]

Feel free to customize anything you need!