What not to say in a court hearing?

Asked by: Dr. Vella Halvorson  |  Last update: April 28, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (34 votes)

1. “Judge, it appears you just don't understand this other jerk or you did not read my brief.” This is disrespectful to the judge, as it is condescending, disrespectful to the other party and suggests the judge is lazy or stupid for apparently not agreeing with or possibly truly not reading the brief.

What words should you avoid in court?

The Bad Word List, also known as the anti-reptile word list, includes: always, never, must, required, every, any, safety, priority, prevent, and violate, among others. Each word eliminates judgment and circumstances and can trap witnesses.

How to impress the judge in court?

Don't be so absorbed by what you are doing that you aren't paying attention. Dress appropriately for court. Be reasonable in your requests. Don't ask a judge to something outside the judge's power. Make it easy for the judge to agree with what you ask. It is okay to be pleasant, to smile, and to be genuine.

What not to say at a hearing?

7 Things You Should Never Say (or Do) in Court
  • DON'T DISCUSS YOUR CASE WITH ANYONE OTHER THAN YOUR DIVORCE LAWYER BEFORE TESTIFYING. ...
  • DON'T RECOUNT YOUR TESTIMONY WITH ANYONE OTHER THAN YOUR FAMILY COURT LAWYERS. ...
  • DON'T SCRIPT YOUR TESTIMONY. ...
  • NEVER PAINT YOURSELF INTO A CORNER WITH ABSOLUTISM.

What should you never say to a judge?

EDIT: What are you not supposed to say to a judge? Anything disrespectful, disruptive or threatening. This is to include yelling, cursing, and refusing to cooperate. It's not about a power trip, or ego, or absolute power corrupting absolutely, or any of the other crap responses I deleted.

5 Things NOT to Do or You'll Lose Your Court Case

15 related questions found

What annoys judges?

In this article, we have listed five things that annoy judges which self-reps must try to avoid.
  • 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 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.

How to not be nervous in court?

If you can, try to go to the courtroom where your hearing (or trial) will be held the week before. You can watch how the hearing goes, see what the judge is like. Then you'll know how to get there, where to find the courtroom, and you'll feel more calm on your court date.

What should you not say to a hard of hearing?

Don'ts
  • Don't try to talk to someone from a different room. ...
  • Don't yell. ...
  • Don't cover your mouth as you speak.
  • Don't say “never mind.” It is dismissive and excludes the person from the conversation when they were just trying to understand.
  • Don't speak extra slow.

Can you say bad words in court?

Criminal contempt is an action that impugns the integrity of the court or brings the court into disrepute. For example, yelling curse words at a judge would be direct criminal contempt of court.

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?

How to look more innocent in court?

10 RULES FOR DRESSING FOR COURT
  1. Dress Neatly and Make Sure Your Clothes Fit. ...
  2. Dress Like You Are Going to Church. ...
  3. Never Wear Clothing With Pictures or Writing. ...
  4. Avoid the Team Jersey. ...
  5. Accessorize with Moderation. ...
  6. Simplify Your Hair. ...
  7. Simplify Your Makeup. ...
  8. Consider Taking Out Piercings.

What persuades a judge?

Judges expect advocates to present arguments completely and honestly. Completely means knowing the record as well the adversary's con- tentions. Honestly means presenting all information accurately, even if that requires the advocate to concede some points. a trial or appellate judge is to win.

Can you say you don't remember in court?

Do not give attorneys answers you think they want. If you do not remember, say you don't remember – not that you do not know. Do not guess if you are not sure, unless you are instructed to give an estimate. If you make mistakes in answering, correct yourself as soon as you realize your mistake.

What questions are not allowed in court?

The only consistently enforced rule about form is the prohibition against the use of leading questions. A leading question is one where the attorney asks the question and suggests the answer, thereby crossing the line between attorney questions and witness answers.

Can what you say in court be used against you?

Anything you say may be held against you in a court of law. You have the right to consult your lawyer and insure his presence at your interrogation.

What do you say when you can't hear?

I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. 4. I'm sorry, I didn't quite hear what you said. 5.

What makes your hearing worse?

Other people develop hearing loss later because of a health condition. The most common causes are ageing and being exposed to loud noise. People who work in loud environments are at higher risk. This includes construction workers, musicians, farmers, miners and military personnel.

What qualifies as hard of hearing?

A person who is not able to hear as well as someone with normal hearing – hearing thresholds of 20 dB or better in both ears – is said to have hearing loss. Hearing loss may be mild, moderate, severe or profound. It can affect one ear or both ears and leads to difficulty in hearing conversational speech or loud sounds.

What happens if I cry in court?

Is It Okay to Cry in Court? Yes, it is okay to cry in court. A whole category of legal damages is calculated by quantifying a victim's pain and suffering, so why wouldn't you let a judge or jury know when you are sad?

How can I impress in court?

The Art of Testifying in Court
  1. Always tell the truth, even if it hurts. ...
  2. Don't be afraid to admit you didn't hear or understand a question. ...
  3. Stop talking when someone says, “Objection.” The judge will tell you whether to answer the question.
  4. Don't forget: always tell the truth.
  5. Dress appropriately. ...
  6. Behave properly.

How long does a court hearing last?

In general, simple cases such as minor civil disputes or brief procedural hearings may last only a few minutes to an hour. On the other hand, more complex cases, especially those in criminal or significant civil litigation, can extend over several days, weeks, or even months.

How do I make myself look good in court?

Don't take any chances. Always wear conservative, clean, and business-professional clothes. Think a neutral-toned suit and clean, polished dress shoes. And make sure your clothes are clean.

What should you avoid saying in court?

What NOT to Say while Testifying
  • Don't lie. This seems to be common sense, but it has to be said. ...
  • Don't guess. If you don't know the answer, say so. ...
  • Don't talk about your character. ...
  • Don't call other witnesses liars.

How do you say hello in court?

Stand and greet the court, then state your name and who you are representing. For example: “Good morning, your honor.