Courtroom Conduct: Dress Well and Show Respect
Let’s talk about court. Hi, I’m Carl Birkhead, and I’m a Tulsa criminal attorney with Wirth Law Office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ve been practicing family and criminal law for over seven years, and today, I want to make law simple by breaking down how to behave in court. To help me out, I’ve got my son, Jackson, who has been to court before.
When I asked him what we wear to court, his answer was simple—court clothes. While that might sound vague, the important thing is that your clothes are clean, presentable, and respectful.
The Importance of Respectful Behavior in Court
Beyond dressing appropriately, how you act in court matters just as much. Jackson summed it up in one word: respectful. That means no being loud, no playing on a device with the volume up, and no causing distractions. If you bring something to keep yourself occupied, keep the noise down or avoid using it altogether.
When speaking to the judge, always address them as “Your Honor” rather than a casual “Hey, Judge.” Courtroom etiquette is about showing respect, staying quiet when necessary, and waiting your turn to speak.
Preparing for Your Court Appearance
When I asked Jackson what people should know before stepping into a courtroom, his advice was simple—be quiet. He also reassured me that there’s no need to be nervous; everything will be okay as long as you conduct yourself properly.
If a six-year-old can understand the basics of courtroom behavior, so can you. Just remember to be respectful, dress appropriately, and don’t make silly faces at the judge!
Start Your Legal Journey with a Strategy Session
Thanks for watching, I’m Tulsa criminal lawyer Carl Birkhead with Wirth Law Office. I’m here to make law easy. For a low-cost initial strategy session, call us at 918-879-1681 and let’s discuss how we can assist with your legal needs.
