Hatfield
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 3, 2012
- Messages
- 17,014
- Reaction score
- 59,127
Willow Knight- we have to bow to the judge every time we enter and leave the courtroom- even the Queens Counsel's, (bigwig lawyers here) have to, is this so in the US?
I know this question was not directed to me, but I am pretty sure I can answer because I have watched many trials live on CourtTV type channels here in the US.
I am pretty positive that nobody has to actually bow to the judge, but there is usually this type of formal procedure that goes on in our US courts....
The lawyers and defendents, and any other legal representation that is sitting towards the front are usually always in the courtroom before the judge enters. Then, when everyone is present, the "bailiff" (who is a formal court employee) usually makes this announcement:
"ALL RISE"
Then, everyone (including spectators) will rise to their feet as the judge enters. Nobody sits down until the judge usually tells eveveryone it is ok to be seated.
As far as leaving.....i may not have this part quite right, but I believe that during any recesses or breaks, the judge will usually tell the jury to leave first, and (i think) the judge usually asks everyone to rise as the jury leaves.
Then, I think sometimes the bailiff will ask people to remain standing as the judge leaves. OR I think in some instances, the judge excuses everyone for recess while he/she is still up there at his/her bench.
So, basically there is the formal process of standing before the judge enters.
Then, upon any breaks or recesses, either the bailiff or judge themselves directs others about when to stand and when they are released to either sit down or can leave the courtroom.
So, it is pretty formal in that way here in the US. The Judge and Jury both get a lot of formal respect from everyone in the courtroom. The judge has the power to actually sentence people on the spot for purposeful disruptions, etc.
Based on that previous courtroom outburst we already saw happen at the very first arraignment type hearing (some relative yelled something out), I am putting good odds on some sort of crazy outburst from this crew or their relatives before this trial is over. :floorlaugh: