courtroom etiquette for lawyers in south africa

Here are 20 basic rules of courtroom etiquette: 1) Act with decorum and dignity, regardless of the temptations or provocations. The shirt or blouse must be a pristine white. This month Debtfree DIGI contains and article on how to conduct oneself while at court. The rules of the South African courts prescribe a dress code for legal practitioners who appear before the court. The court must be silent and still when the court is being opened or closed, … It is important to behave respectfully in the courtroom so that the proceedings are not unnecessarily disrupted. All Rights Reserved. Even if you feel it would help. The rules of the South African courts prescribe a dress code for legal practitioners who appear before the court. modern courtroom wide angle from gallery's point-of-view - courtroom stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. As far as shoes are concerned, they must be either black or brown and women must ensure that they do not wear open sandals or shoes without a strap or a back around the heel. If criminal, then red. The Do’s and Don’t of going to court to get your Debt restructuring Court Order. Child support Alimony Lawsuits and disputes Filing a lawsuit Going to court. December 19, 2017 “All the world’s a stage,” as they say; and apparently, that includes the courtroom. We are a full service law firm - one of the largest business law firms in South Africa, with more than 350 lawyers and a track record spanning over 166 years. DNA PROFILING AND THE LAW IN SOUTH AFRICA S de Wet* H Oosthuizen** J Visser*** 1 Introduction ... 6 Meintjes-Van der Walt DNA in the Courtroom: Principles and Practice 6. It is considered inappropriate for practitioners to talk loudly inside the courtroom (and outside the courtroom where they can be heard) while awaiting their turn, or to move around the courtroom in a disruptive manner. South Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, bordering Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho. When practitioners of these disciplines encounter each other in the courts as they often do these days, much ignorance, suspicion and ambivalence is evident. A freak accident in a South Africa courtroom claimed the life of a lawyer on Monday when a falling gun shot and killed her. Professor Meintjies van der Walt is a pioneer of this way of thought in South Africa. The rules of etiquette must be followed by everyone who attends the court including the public. Competition Law, Employment, Corporate, Commercial, Litigation, IT & Tax Law Firm in South Africa +27 11 562 1000. Rather wait or exit the court if you need to make or receive a call. We use cookies (the computer type not the tasty ones) to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Even if you feel it would help. The dress code, like the legal system, finds its origin in both the English and Dutch traditions. “And don’t try to impress me with your manner of dress, Cause a monkey in silk is a monkey no less” – Rodriguez. 1: The judge not only represents the ultimate authority in the court, but also the law. Through my internship with a Circuit Court Judge and thereafter as an attorney, I have seen unacceptable behaviors exhibited in the courtroom. The judge, injury or accident attorneys, jury, and attendees closely examine what you say and how you say it. 1 Shaffer 1979 Notre Dame Law 232. The macabre colour of the robe can be traced back to 1685 the year in which Charles II died. Many consumers and Debt Counsellors make use of it each month to find suppliers and service providers. Any experienced lawyer in South Carolina can attest to the fact that being on the best of your behavior and respectful in a courtroom is very beneficial. What are you allowed to say to them in the hallway or social media? Read Debtfree Magazine – SA’s Debt Counselling Magazine, Read Debtfree DIGI Magazine – the Debt Counselling Magazine, African Bank need your help – to kick consumers out of Debt Review. For many consumers the prospect of going to court in order to get a debt restructuring court order is very intimidating. According to local paper The Times, Addelaid Ferreira Watt (pictured above) was in Ixopo regional court when a loaded firearm on display fell and accidentally fired […] The post South African Lawyer Dies In Freak Courtroom Accident Involving Gun! http://www.bdlive.co.za/opinion/2012/11/14/judicial-dress-codes-are-due-for-a-makeover, General Litigation and Dispute Resolution, http://www.bdlive.co.za/opinion/2012/11/14/judicial-dress-codes-are-due-for-a-makeover. Due to the absence of strict regulations that many overseas businesses have to deal with, South Africa is an ideal breeding ground for entrepreneurs. The English bar entered into a period of mourning which lasted longer than expected. Here are some tips and information on what to do in court. a lawyer and the jury - courtroom stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. 2 See Waldner City Press 2; Venter Star 4; Peters Daily News 6; Maphumulo Sunday Independent 1. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright © 2020 debtfreedigi.co.za. Debt Review. For a thorough discussion of selected cases, see Slabbert 2011 PELJ 211-221. It is polite to nod or bow your head toward the Magistrate in acknowledgement when entering and leaving if they are already present in the court room. It is not appropriate to be seen using your cell phone to send messages or instant messages during the session. Courtroom Etiquette for Lawyers. In the US a recent study showed that students with degrees are…, You no doubt have enjoyed using our helpful Service Directory Section for Debt review services in the magazine each month. Despite South Africa's division into nine provinces, the country has a single national court system. The idea was that, if advocates could not see how much they were being paid, the quality of their advocacy in court could not be compromised. It is concerning to many consumers that in order to get their debt review sorted out they may need to attend court. For a more in depth discussion on the history of South African court dress see this article by L Kent. When in the courtroom, court etiquette in South Australia requires you to maintain an appropriate standard of behaviour and dress. Don’t bring food, gum, or anything to drink into the court room. S DE WET, H OOSTHUIZEN AND J VISSER PER / PELJ 2011(14)4 173 / 351 sequences of nucleotide bases that … For additional information, please visit our website at www.pbla.ca 10 Etiquette Tips for Testifying in Court. Produced in coordination with PBLA and Alberta Courts. Western Cape judge president John Hlophe is passionate about the need to Africanise South Africa's colonial legal system but not, it appears, the … No hats are allowed. Lawyers are expected to be well-groomed when arriving at the office or the courtroom. Going to court? In the Magistrates’ Court, only attorneys are required to wear the robes when appearing. Never do so inside the courtroom. The courts of South Africa are the civil and criminal courts responsible for the administration of justice in South Africa. The purpose is not to make lawyers into scientists but to create an informed fraternity who know when to seek scientific help, and who are able to extract the fullest from such scientific advice. The land was originally home to a broad diversity of African tribes and peoples with varying languages and customs. Black Robes are worn by both advocates and attorneys in the High Court. In the Magistrates’ Court, only attorneys are required to wear the robes when appearing. Learn more about the top legal talent. How to rescue your business from the impact of COVID-19. If you have never been to the Magistrates Court before here are some tips to help make sure you don’t step on anyone’s toes or embarrass yourself. Rather wait or exit the court if you need to make or receive a call. Required fields are marked *. The work culture and etiquette in South Africa can take a bit of getting used to. Don’t bring food, gum, or anything to drink into the court room. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Indeed interrupting the court process could find you in contempt of court. Avoid laughing or smirking in the courtroom. Here are some tips and information on what to do in court. While an Armani suit might also be a bit much, and call into question if you really need debt review, it is better to err on the side of well dressed rather than sloppy. South Africa Dos. The advocates robe has a piece of triangular cloth attached to the left shoulder which is cut in two lengthways. Mobile telephones must be turned off and solicitors should not play games or read newspapers while waiting. Pants or skirts must be either black or a dark grey. Do raise right hand, palm toward each other when greeting, as it symbolises “No weapons” in ancient times, and is widely used as symbol of friendship nowadays. Etiquette Rule No. Talking, whispering, giggling, shuffling papers, or disturbing the composure of the proceedings with phones or pagers is not allowed. Her line of teaching needs to be instituted at every faculty. Senior lecturer in the Department of Public Law, University of the Free State, South Africa. Your email address will not be published. The prescribed rate of interest in terms of the Prescribed Rate of Interest Act has decreased from 9,75% to 7,75% with effect from 1 June 2020. Adopting the appropriate court etiquette in NSW (New South Wales) is important as it displays respect for the courts and the legal system. Its origin is obscure but there exist two theories: The first is that, this was once a money sack for brief fees. Anytime someone is called to the witness stand in a courtroom to testify, he or she is under scrutiny. jury sitting in courtroom - courtroom stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images . The navy has a small fleet consisting of frigates, submarines, minesweepers, small strike craft, and auxiliary vessels. Facial hair is acceptable as long as it is well groomed. Norms and etiquette can vary between different ethnicities, linguistic groups and religions.If unsure of the correct etiquette in certain circumstances, do not hesitate to ask your South African counterpart or at least observe the people around you for guidance. If necessary, you will be removed from the auditorium. In a civil matter, the plaintiff (whoever is bringing the matter to court) sits on the right side of the Bar Table. It is important to be aware of the diversity of traditions and practices regarding etiquette in South Africa. Constitutional Court Justices have worn Green Robes since February 1995 when the court was formally opened. Never do so inside the courtroom. Black Robes are worn by both advocates and attorneys in the High Court. 8 Butler Fundamentals of Forensic DNA Typing 23-25. After many years as an anti-apartheid lawyer, … Priscilla Jana speaking in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 2007, when she was South Africa’s ambassador to Ireland. According to some, it is divided in half to create two segments, one for gold coins, and the other for silver. Do give a strong handshake as in Africa, feeble handshake was described as “ill-manners” and no sincerity, and strong handshake is a gesture of goodwill. Vicki Dearing, J.D., Legal Studies program director at South University, Montgomery, offers her students insights into courtroom etiquette from her years of experience as an attorney. In South Africa a Magistrate is traditionally referred to as “Your Worship” as opposed to Your Honor. In regards to hairstyle, men are expected to maintain shorter hairstyles that are neat and conservative in style. The Dress code for court is closer to “Sunday Best” than “jeans and a T-shirt”. In fact, South Africa is a nourishing place for new ventures. That said, I often prepare my clients for the things he/she should do and not do when going before the judge. 5 years ago. In South Africa a presiding officer’s dress is determined by the nature matter; if the case is a civil, the judge will wear black. 3) Refer to the judge as “your honor,” not “judge.”. You should not look overly casual. When you come into and leave the courtroom do so quietly. She recalls the basic etiquette rules she learned as a law student. Appendix 1 : 3 Judicial Ethics in South Africa [To be issued by the Chief Justice, the President of the Constitutional Court and the judges president of the different high courts and the Labour Appeal Court, and the President of the Land Claims Court.] Search the all new list of the top lawyers in South Africa. They apply the law of South Africa and are established under the Constitution of South Africa or under Acts of the Parliament of South Africa.. In legal and professional psychology circles in South Africa, the relationship between psychology and law is not yet clearly and formally recognized. It is highly advisable to remain calm and collected all through your court sessions. Courtroom Etiquette 101. Show 2 more Show 2 less . Why are you losing so many rulings at trial? “Judicial Ethics in South Africa Guidelines for Judges” provides that a judicial officer “should always act courteously and respect the dignity of all who have business” in the court.5 2.3 Patience and self-control There are frequent occasions when a magistrate may find … In South Africa a Magistrate is traditionally referred to as “Your Worship” as opposed to Your Honor. The good news it you will soon be able to access the service…, Your email address will not be published. This means that many learners are having to borrow even more to pay for their education. Going to court? courtroom 1 - courtroom stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. South Africa - South Africa - Security: South Africa has a large, well-equipped army, by far the largest contingent of the country’s armed forces. Cell phones and similar devices should either be off altogether or on a silent setting. How do you address them? South Africans are relaxed and friendly but they also work hard. Shaik told the court that foreign companies understood BEE to only apply to Africans and not other race groups in South Africa. Student Debt Repayments place strain on graduates The cost of education has, like everything else, been increasing. You should wait in the public seating area located in the back of the courtroom until your matter has been called. 2) Adopt a polite and somewhat formal tone. The theory is that since advocates were not openly paid for their work, clients made a payment into counsel’s pocket, literally behind their back, to preserve their dignity. E-mail: visserjm@ufs.ac.za. from Clio PRO . Being respectful also goes a long way toward being respected. Through a focus on the debates in and out of the courtroom that the Pistorius trial generated, this paper explores the intersection between the judicial function, the media and the public. 7 Adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T). 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