How should you behave in court?

If you are attending court, you should bear in mind the following points.

  • Arrive in good time for your case
  • Be quiet until your case is called
  • Be polite and courteous to the judge/sheriff, to other court users and court officials
  • Remove your hat when entering the courtroom
  • Dress in a manner that suits the serious nature of the business conducted in court
  • Do not attend court under the influence of drink or drugs
  • Do not smoke, eat or drink in the courtroom
  • Do not make audio or video recordings or take photographs in the courtroom
  • Do not read in the courtroom, unless you are asked to do so
  • Do not bring dogs, other than guide dogs, into the courtroom
  • Children under the age of 14 (other than babies) are not normally allowed in the courtroom unless they are giving evidence, or have the court’s prior approval to attend for educational purposes. Babies will only be allowed to stay in the courtroom if they are quiet. Childcare facilities are not currently available in courts

You may be held to be in contempt of court if you ignore these guidelines. This could lead to a fine or a period of imprisonment.