How do judges introduce themselves in court?
Asked by: Dr. Cristal Mills DDS | Last update: August 13, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (64 votes)
Judge's Introductory Remarks My name is Carlos Samour, and I am the judge assigned to this division. Let me start off by thanking each of you for responding to your jury summons today.
What do judges say when court is starting?
Judge: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Calling the case of the People of the State of California versus (defendant's first name). Are both sides ready? District Attorney: Ready for the People, Your Honor.
What does the judge say at the start of a case?
What does the judge say at the beginning of court? “Good morning/good afternoon, counsel. Are we here on <name of case>?” Counsel announces their names and who they represent, or at least which side. Generally, the races then begin with the calling of the side with the proof burden's first witness.
What to say when introducing yourself in court?
Stand and greet the court, then state your name and who you are representing. For example: “Good morning, your honor. My name is John Smith. I am representing the plaintiff, Ms.
How do we introduce ourselves in front of judges?
Introductions: When everyone is ready, including the judge, introduce yourself and spell your last name slowly. Tell the judge that you are representing yourself and that you are the petitioner in the judicial review. The other parties (or their lawyers) will then introduce themselves.
Mock Trial Step-by-Step: Opening Proceedings
How does a judge introduce himself?
Judge's Introductory Remarks
My name is Carlos Samour, and I am the judge assigned to this division. Let me start off by thanking each of you for responding to your jury summons today.
How do you say hello to a judge?
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.”
What should you not say to a judge?
- 'I Did It. ' ...
- 'They Didn't Tell Me...' ...
- Expletives. ...
- Lies, Lies, Lies. ...
- 'I Will Represent Myself.
What is the best opening statement in court?
The opening statement should be straightforward and direct. Avoid exaggerating or misstating the facts, and don't overdo the emotion. If a lawyer relies on exaggeration to appeal to the jury, he or she will certainly hear about “broken promises” in opposing counsel's closing arguments.
Can you say yes sir to a judge?
This will lose you the respect of the judge and the jury. Any lawyer who can make a witness mad will probably cause the witness to exaggerate, appear unobjective, and emotionally unstable. Be sure to answer "Yes Sir/Ma'am" and "No Sir/Ma'am" and to address the judge as "Your Honor. "
Who gets to speak first in court?
The side bringing the case is the side that bears the burden of proof, and thus always goes first. This is the prosecuting attorney in a criminal case, or the plaintiff in a civil case. The defense then follows with their opening statement.
What do judges say when they hit the hammer?
But if that opening sounded familiar, you may be picturing a judge rapping a tiny hammer on a piece of wood and yelling, “Order in the court!” That tiny hammer is called a gavel.
What are common court sayings?
- As jurors you are not to be swayed by sympathy.
- Bail should be continued.
- Call your next witness.
- Can you tell the jury…?
- Could you briefly describe …?
- Could you describe the appearance of (a package, etc.)?
- Counsel, lay a foundation.
- Defendant will be remanded.
How to introduce a case in court?
- Attorney identifies themself (or not) A typical introduction: “Your Honor, members of the jury, my name is (full name), representing the prosecution/defendant in this case.” ...
- A theory of the case. One or two sentences which tell the jury what your case is about. ...
- Briefly tell the jury why they are there.
What can't you say in closing arguments?
The lawyers cannot talk about issues outside the case or about evidence that was not presented. The judge usually indicates to the lawyers before closing arguments begin which instructions he or she intends to give the jury.
What is a judges opening statement?
An opening statement describes the parties, outlines the nature of the issue in dispute , presents a concise overview of the facts and evidence so that the jury can better understand the overall case, frames the evidence in a way that is favorable to the counsel's theory of the case, and outlines what the counsel ...
What is a strong opening statement?
A good opening statement demonstrates your sincerity, knowledge of the facts, confidence and likeability all at the same time. “You don't want to over-promise or under-deliver in your opening statement,” Soto said, adding that there's no such thing as being over-prepared. 3) Tackle any unfavorable facts head-on.
What is the best thing to say in court?
No matter how upset you are or feel the process is unfair, do NOT discuss the facts of your case in open court. Let your attorney do the talking and only answer “yes, your Honor” or “no, your Honor” when a question is specifically directed at you by the judge.
What can you not say in an opening statement?
Prosecutors and defense attorneys generally have considerable latitude in what they're allowed to say in opening statement. That said, they're not allowed to "argue" (argument is saved for closing), nor are they allow to refer to inadmissible evidence or facts they don't intend to or can't prove.
What annoys judges?
- When you put yourself in the argument. ...
- Asking the judge if he or she has read the material. ...
- Looking and being casual. ...
- Stop making about on everything. ...
- Being nasty is a case killer.
What's the best color to wear to court?
It's best to avoid bright colors. Whether you're a plaintiff or a defendant, dark or neutral colors like white, navy blue, and gray are the best colors to wear to court. Your attorney can offer guidance if you're unsure about what you're wearing.
How to impress a judge in court?
Dress professionally and appropriately. It is not necessary to dress like a lawyer, but conservative and “business casual” is a good rule. Do wear tidy clothing and groom yourself neatly. You want to be taken seriously by the judge.
What do judges want to hear?
At the end of the day, a judge wants to hear three things: accountability, responsibility, and remorse. They also want to hear your reasoning. Why did you commit the crime in the first place?
Do you say yes sir to a judge?
Smith.” When you are asked a question by the judge, don't nod your head “yes” or “no.” Answer “Yes, your honor,” or “No, your honor.” Showing respect for the judge and other officers of the court will go a long way toward showing the judge that you recognize the gravity of the situation and that you are also entitled ...
What not to say in front of a judge?
Do Not Exaggerate, Mislead, or State Anything Untrue. It goes without saying that you should never lie to a judge (that is perjury), but you should also avoid exaggerating the facts or misleading the court about any issue. Most judges can sense when a witness is stretching the truth, and they do not appreciate it.