
Appearing in court
Appearing in court for the first time can be a nervous experience. Courts are formal places with a great deal of history and protocol.
How to dress and what customs are there?
When dressing for court in New Zealand, it's important to be respectful and show that you take the proceedings seriously. The way you dress is a reflection of your respect for the court and the legal process. Here are some guidelines to follow, along with customs to be aware of:
What to Wear:
-
Formal and Neat Clothing:
-
For both men and women, aim to dress in formal, conservative clothing. This doesn’t mean you need a suit, but your clothes should be neat, clean, and presentable.
-
Men: A collared shirt (like a button-up shirt) paired with trousers or smart chinos. A tie is optional but can be a good idea for a more formal appearance. A suit jacket is also acceptable but not required.
-
Women: A smart dress, blouse with a skirt or trousers, or a formal blouse with a jacket. Keep it simple and avoid anything too revealing or flashy.
-
-
Footwear:
-
Opt for closed shoes that are clean and in good condition. Avoid casual shoes like sneakers or sandals.
-
-
Accessories:
-
Keep jewelry and accessories minimal and tasteful. Over-the-top or flashy items can be seen as disrespectful.
-
-
Hair and Grooming:
-
Make sure your hair is neat and tidy. If it’s long, consider tying it back. Clean, well-groomed appearance is key.
-
-
Avoid Casual Clothing:
-
Do not wear clothing such as t-shirts, jeans, shorts, or anything overly casual. Even if your case isn’t formal, dressing appropriately is important.
-
Courtroom Customs:
-
Addressing the Judge:
-
In New Zealand courts, judges are typically addressed as "Your Honour." When speaking to the judge, always use this title. When speaking to anyone else, use formal titles such as "Mr." or "Ms."
-
-
Punctuality:
-
Be on time for court. If you're running late, inform the court as soon as possible. Late arrivals can disrupt proceedings, and judges tend to take punctuality very seriously.
-
-
Respectful Behavior:
-
Maintain a respectful demeanor throughout the court session. Stand when the judge enters or exits the courtroom. Avoid talking during proceedings, unless addressed by the judge or your lawyer.
-
-
No Mobile Phones:
-
Mobile phones should be switched off or on silent before entering the courtroom. Some courts have strict policies on phones, and they may ask you to leave if your phone rings or causes a disturbance.
-
-
Attitude and Language:
-
Speak respectfully when answering questions. Avoid interrupting anyone, including the judge, lawyer, or witnesses. Always wait for your turn to speak.
-
Additional Tips:
-
Dress Conservatively: While New Zealand is generally relaxed in terms of appearance, in court, it’s important to appear as though you’re taking the situation seriously.
-
Comfort: If you have a lengthy appearance, make sure your clothes are comfortable enough for you to sit for extended periods, but they should still meet the formality required.
-
Cultural Sensitivity: New Zealand's courts often deal with a diverse range of people, so it’s important to show respect to all individuals involved, regardless of their background.
What Not to Do:
-
Avoid any overt displays of emotion such as laughing, arguing, or showing frustration.
-
Don't use informal language when addressing the judge or anyone involved in the proceedings.
By following these guidelines, you’ll show the court respect and maintain a professional appearance, which can reflect positively on you.