In short, judges want to be persuaded to make the 'right' decision with ease. That is, without undue delay, complexity, or angst.
Make sure you have all your documents clearly organised and mark the documents that have already been filed with the Court. Bring a note pad and pen with you too. Some people find it helpful to sit in a courtroom before the hearing if they have never been in a court before.
A Judge should be studious, courteous, conscientious, patient, punctual, just, impartial, fearless of public clamour, regardless of public praise, indifferent to private, political or partisan influences. He should administer Justice according to law and deal with his office as a public trust.
When your matter is called, stand at the table in the middle of the courtroom – called the bar table - until the magistrate invites you to speak. If you are representing yourself in a criminal matter, you may also have to enter a plea. You should seek legal advice before entering a plea of guilty.
Many people have successfully represented themselves. Others have gone to court and found that their case was more complicated or that the court process was more difficult than they expected. These are some things to consider when deciding whether to represent yourself: Are you good at completing paperwork?
A judge shall uphold and promote the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary, and shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety.
Speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard, but don't shout. Don't wave your hands or otherwise make unnecessary gestures when you are speaking to the judge. Always speak politely and respectfully to the judge and all other court officials. Do not use any phrases that criticize the judge or anyone in the courtroom.
The trial judge's decisionmaking must determine what are the facts and the proper application of the law to these facts. To bring order to the confusion of contested facts and theories of law, the trial judge decides cases by hypothesis or a series of tentative hypotheses increasing in certainty.
Stand when the judge enters and sit when the judge or bailiff asks you to. Try to remain calm but it is OK if you show emotion. Take deep breaths if you feel yourself getting tense. Never lose your temper in the courtroom.
The best color to wear to court is probably navy blue or dark gray. These colors suggest seriousness. At the same time, they do not come with the negative connotations that are often associated with the color black (for instance, some people associate black with evil, coldness, and darkness).
In person: In an interview, social event, or in court, address a judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge [last name].” If you are more familiar with the judge, you may call her just “Judge.” In any context, avoid “Sir” or “Ma'am.”
Remain clear and succinct in your answers. The judge and the jury are interested in what you have observed or personally know about. It is important to not give your conclusions and opinions, and to not state what someone else told you, unless you are specifically asked.
Give the answer in your own words, and if a question can't be truthfully answered with a “yes” or “no” answer, explain the answer. If an attorney demands a “yes” or “no” answer and you can not give one, let the judge know that, and explain that to do so would be misleading to the court or inaccurate.
Judges decide a variety of cases that come before the courts, including civil suits, criminal cases and family law matters. When there is no jury, judges… Judges also ensure that cases are conducted following the rules of court and the rules dealing with evidence that can be used.
The judge decides whether the accused person is guilty or innocent on the basis of evidence presented and in accordance with the law. If the accused is convicted, then the judge pronounces the sentence.
Judge and professional cellist Jeffrey Solow states, “Judges look for technical excellence, beautiful tone, intelligent and informed interpretative decisions, plus personality and communication.”
Be Positive and Confident
Give positive, definite answers when at all possible. Avoid saying, “I think”, “I believe”, or “In my opinion” if you can answer positively. If you do know, then say so.