Bring the needed items
- one copy of your court documents
- a copy of your Affidavit of Service (if you filed one)
- a pen and paper to take notes
Wear proper clothing
- dress like you’re going to a job interview
- don’t wear a hat
Arrive early
- arrive half an hour early to your court appearance
- give yourself extra time, especially if you need to file documents with a court clerk
- check in with the court clerk before court begins
Go through security
- enter the courthouse through its airport-like security station, which is manned by sheriffs
Note: Sheriffs can assist you if you’re concerned about your safety.
Find your courtroom
- check that your name is on the electronic display or the paper outside the courtroom
- speak to a court clerk if you aren’t sure which courtroom you’re in
Follow basic courtroom process
- when your matter is called, go to the front of the courtroom and sit at one of the tables
- the other party or their lawyer will sit on the other side of the courtroom
- when you talk to the judge, stand at the podium in the middle of the room
- if you don’t understand what the judge has ordered, ask them to explain
Show respect in the courtroom
- in the Court of Justice, call the justice “Your Honour”
- in the Court of King’s Bench or Court of Appeal:
- call the justice "Justice" (or “Chief Justice” or “Associate Chief Justice” as the case may be)
- call the applications judge “Judge” or “Your Honour”
- don’t argue with the judge
- don’t talk during a session
- be respectful to the other party and others in the courtroom
- turn off all electronic devices
- don’t bring children
- don’t eat or chew gum
- enter or leave quietly during a session
Note: A sheriff will remove anyone from the courtroom who’s aggressive toward or threatens others. A session may still be recorded after the judge leaves the courtroom.