Court Etiquette: How to Conduct Yourself at a Court Hearing

Your First Day in Court

For most litigants in person, the first court hearing is an unfamiliar experience. The buildings are formal, the language is precise, and the procedure follows rules that are second nature to lawyers but entirely new to everyone else.

The good news is that courtroom etiquette is not complicated. The expectations are clear, consistent, and based on a single principle: respect for the court and the administration of justice. Judges understand that litigants in person may not know every procedural convention, and reasonable allowances are made. What matters is that you arrive prepared, conduct yourself professionally, and engage with the process honestly.

This guide covers the practical essentials — from what to wear to how to address the judge — so that your first hearing proceeds as smoothly as possible.

Before the Hearing

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive at the court building at least 30 minutes before your listed hearing time. Court buildings have security screening at the entrance (similar to airport security), and queues can be lengthy during busy periods. You will need to go through a scanner and may have bags searched.

Once through security, find the court listings board — a screen or printed sheet near the entrance that shows which cases are being heard in which courtroom. Locate your case by name or case number and note the courtroom.

What to Bring

What Not to Bring

• Mobile phones must be switched to silent or turned off before entering the courtroom. Taking photographs or recording in the courtroom is a criminal offence under the Criminal Justice Act 1925 and Contempt of Court Act 1981
• Food is not permitted in the courtroom
• Large bags or luggage may cause delays at security

What to Wear

There is no formal dress code for litigants in person in the civil courts, but the convention is smart and conservative. You are appearing before a judicial officer in a formal setting, and your appearance communicates respect for that setting.

Appropriate:

• Business attire or smart casual — a suit, or smart trousers/skirt with a collared shirt or blouse
• Clean, neat clothing in subdued colours
• Comfortable shoes (you may be waiting for some time)

Avoid:

• Sportswear, trainers, jeans with excessive distressing, or clothing with prominent logos or slogans
• Hats or caps (these should be removed in the courtroom, with exceptions for religious head coverings)
• Sunglasses worn indoors

The standard is straightforward: dress as you would for a formal professional meeting. The judge will form an impression of every party in the room, and presenting yourself neatly signals that you take the proceedings seriously.

How to Address the Judge

Getting the form of address correct is one of the simplest ways to demonstrate respect for the court. The correct form depends on who is presiding:

If you are unsure, “Sir” or “Madam” is always acceptable and will not cause offence. The court usher can also tell you who is presiding and what form of address to use before you enter the courtroom.

Never address the judge by their name, and never use “you” directly. Instead of saying “you said,” say “the court directed” or “the court ordered.” This maintains the formality that distinguishes a courtroom from a conversation.

Courtroom Procedure

Standing and Sitting

• Stand when the judge enters and leaves the courtroom. This is signalled by the usher, who will typically announce “all rise” or “court rise”
• Stand when speaking to the judge. When making submissions or answering questions, stand at the advocate’s bench or from your position
• Sit when the other party is speaking or when the judge is reading documents
• Bow briefly when the judge enters and when you enter or leave the courtroom if the judge is already seated. This is a slight inclination of the head — not a theatrical gesture

When to Speak

The judge controls the proceedings. You will be invited to speak at the appropriate time. The typical structure for a hearing is:

1. The judge confirms the identities of the parties and the nature of the hearing
2. The applicant (or claimant) speaks first and makes their submissions
3. The respondent (or defendant) responds
4. The applicant may be given a brief opportunity to reply on any new points
5. The judge delivers their decision or reserves judgment for a later date

Do not interrupt the other party while they are speaking, however strongly you disagree. Make a note of any points you wish to address, and raise them when it is your turn. The judge will have noted the same points and may raise them without you needing to.

Do not address the other party directly. All submissions are made to the judge. Instead of saying “you breached the contract,” say “the defendant breached the contract” or “my submission is that the terms were not complied with.”

Tone and Manner

• Be concise. Judges have heavy caseloads and limited time. Make your points clearly and move on
• Be honest. If you do not know the answer to a question, say so. If a point goes against you, acknowledge it rather than attempting to avoid it. Candour with the court is an obligation, and judges respect parties who engage honestly
• Be courteous to the other party and their representative. Even if the dispute is acrimonious, the courtroom requires professionalism. The judge will not be impressed by hostility between the parties
• Refer to documents by page number. If you have prepared a bundle, direct the judge to the relevant page: “If I could take you to page 23 of the bundle, paragraph 4…”
• Do not repeat yourself. If you have made a point, trust that the judge has understood it. Repetition wastes court time and can undermine your credibility

Practical Tips for the Hearing

Prepare a Skeleton Argument

For anything beyond the simplest procedural hearing, consider preparing a skeleton argument — a short written document (typically 2-4 pages) setting out the key points of your case, the relevant legal provisions, and the order you are asking the court to make. Hand copies to the judge and the other party at the start of the hearing.

A skeleton argument serves two purposes: it ensures you cover all your points without forgetting anything under pressure, and it gives the judge a framework for understanding your position before you begin speaking.

Keep a Chronology

A clear, one-page chronology of the key events in your case is invaluable. Include dates, brief descriptions, and references to the relevant documents in the bundle. Judges deal with many cases and will appreciate a concise summary that allows them to grasp the timeline quickly.

Take Notes

During the hearing, take notes of what the judge says, particularly any directions or orders made. Court orders are formally drawn up after the hearing, but your contemporaneous notes will help you understand and comply with what was decided.

If You Do Not Understand

If the judge uses a legal term or procedural reference you do not understand, it is entirely appropriate to say: “I apologise, but I am not familiar with that term. Could you explain what is meant?” Judges expect this from litigants in person and will clarify without hesitation.

After the Hearing

When the hearing concludes:

• Stand as the judge leaves the courtroom
• Collect your papers and leave the courtroom quietly
• Do not discuss the case loudly in the corridor immediately outside the courtroom — the judge and other court staff may be nearby
• Review any orders made and note the deadlines for compliance. Missing a court deadline can have serious consequences for your case

If the court makes an order, you will receive a sealed copy in the post or via email (if you are using the court’s electronic filing system). If you are unsure what was ordered, contact the court office for clarification.

For a broader understanding of how the court manages litigation conduct and the standards expected of all parties, see our guide on what constitutes a vexatious litigant — which is not what most people think it means.

To learn more about how eLitigant assists litigants in person with court preparation, visit our About page.

Preparing your case — and settling it

Getting ready for a hearing: trial bundle · evidence bundle · legal chronology · responding to a defence · court fees · as a litigant in person against a solicitor.

Settling without a full trial: consent order · Part 36 offer · without prejudice letter.

Filing your documents & representing yourself

How & where to file court documents · CE-File electronic filing · getting started as a litigant in person

Frequently asked questions

How early should I arrive for a court hearing?

Plan to arrive at the court building at least 30 minutes before your listed time. There is airport-style security screening at the entrance and queues can be lengthy, so allow time to get through, find the court listings board, and locate your courtroom by name or case number.

What should I wear to court as a litigant in person?

There is no formal dress code for litigants in person in the civil courts, but the convention is smart and conservative — business attire or smart casual. Avoid sportswear, trainers, heavily distressed jeans, prominent logos, hats indoors and sunglasses. Dress as you would for a formal professional meeting.

How do I address the judge?

It depends on who is presiding: a District Judge or Magistrate is “Sir” or “Madam”; a Circuit Judge or Recorder is “Your Honour”; a High Court Judge is “My Lord” or “My Lady”; a Master is “Master”. If you are unsure, “Sir” or “Madam” is always acceptable, and the court usher can confirm who is presiding before you enter.

Can I bring someone with me to court for support?

Yes. You may bring a friend, family member or adviser to sit beside you — known as a McKenzie Friend — who can take notes, quietly advise you and help with documents. A McKenzie Friend does not have an automatic right to address the court on your behalf; that requires the judge’s specific permission, granted at the court’s discretion.

Can I record the hearing on my phone?

No. Recording or photographing court proceedings without permission is a criminal offence. Some courts permit official recordings for transcription, and you can apply in advance for permission in specific circumstances, but using a personal device without authorisation is strictly prohibited.

What is a skeleton argument and do I need one?

A skeleton argument is a short written document — typically a few pages — setting out the key points of your case, the relevant provisions and the order you are asking the court to make. For anything beyond the simplest procedural hearing it helps you cover every point under pressure and gives the judge a framework before you speak.

Related guides: What is a vexatious litigant · About eLitigant · All civil court forms