Overall view of courtrooms

It is called ‘courtroom’ where hearing sessions are held. In order to conduct hearings properly there exist a set of rules and the entire procedures are followed accordingly such as; who stands where? Who talks when? Who are allowed in during sessions and who are not? To let the process rendered properly you have to abide by those previously set procedural rules.

Who stands where?

The judge (or panel of judges) and the prosecutor sits at bench. The prosecutor takes the right hand side of the judge. The right hand side of the judge belongs to claimant (or complainant) and the left hand side belongs to the defendant. In other words when you stand in front of the bench your left is claimant and your right is the defendant side. The secretary of the court stands right in front of the bench to record the process in the hearing as the judge instructed.

Who talks where?

Witnesses testify at the stand right in front of the bench. (Judge) the defendants who are not in custody in criminal lawsuits and parties in civil litigations sit their own places and talk there from. To put it bluntly, except for the defendant, everyone talks from their places standing.

Who talks when?

Hearings goes on according to a set of rules the judge would let you speak when is your turn therefore trying to speak before you are allowed and interrupting somebody else’s’ statements are not welcomed. In case you have an urgent statement to make you have to ask permission of the judge. Standing up while you are speaking would be the sign of your respect for the court.

Where witnesses take stand?

To avoid possible effect of any kind and have them tell the full truth and nothing but truth, those who are to be heard as witness are not allowed in until their turn to make statement comes. So there is no a specific spot reserved for witnesses. When the witness to be heard the bailiff to call their names and invite them in. witnesses who testified could leave the courtroom by judge’s permission


Is everybody allowed in courtrooms?

Yes, hearings are held publicly, but in cases where public safety requires; Hearings might held through closed sessions. In that case this is to be announced and the audiences are not allowed in and those who are present to be asked to leave.

How to behave in a courtroom?

The courtroom is ruled by the judge. Judge is entitled to take any measures deemed necessary he/she is allowed by law to put people who violate the court order behind bars as a disciplinary measure. When you are in the court remember that process held therein vital for some people in the courtroom like the defendants.
Don’t speak loudly; don’t comment on the statements made. Applauding or jeering is strictly forbidden. Turn your cells off and remember taking photo and video recording are not allowed.