Why say "may it please the court"?
Asked by: Evalyn Harvey | Last update: November 13, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (26 votes)
Most law schools teach that when our feet reach the podium the first words we should pronounce-with clarity, while meeting the judge's eyes-are: "May it please the court...." There is nothing wrong with the phrase, except it's just a polite nicety if the advo- cate does not know how to "please the court."
What does please the court mean?
“may it please the court” is sort of like saying please and thank you in normal. everyday life. The use of the phrase has existed from time immemorial (don't ask me how it got its start) and is the proper way for a lawyer (or a pro se litigant) to begin an argument or the examination of the first witness of the day.
What is the story of May It Please the Court?
In this story, we go on a journey of self-discovery with the protagonist, Angel, in hopes that she will be able to please the court in this—her trial of a lifetime. grants that support faculty scholarship, even non-traditional work such as this short story.
What does may it please mean?
Pragmatically, May it please the court is an archaic formula expressing the speaker's deference to a presiding judge: an acknowledgment that strictly speaking nothing may occur (and nothing may be omitted) in the courtroom without the judge's permission.
What happens if you refuse to say anything in court?
If you avoid this, you could be held in contempt and face incarceration, fines, or fees. To ensure your rights and interests is in good hands throughout a court proceeding, you may want to reach out to a lawyer who has experience in the courtroom.
"MAY IT PLEASE THE COURT!" - Why Do Lawyers Still Talk That Way in Medical Malpractice Trials in NY?
What should you never say in court?
Don't lie about anything, not even white [small] lies. If you are discovered to be lying, the judge may find it hard to believe you when you are telling the truth. Don't argue with the questioner. Don't ask questions back: “What would you do if…”
Can you say I decline to answer in court?
In a more formal setting such as a deposition, hearing or trial, the person might say: “On the advice of counsel, I invoke my fifth amendment privilege against self-incrimination and respectfully decline to answer your question.”
Do I need to say "may it please the court"?
Begin talking by saying your name. If you choose, you can start with the customary, “May it please the court, I am . . .” Regardless of how you begin, remember to state your name at the beginning of the argument. If you do not have a lawyer, you should tell the justices that you are self-represented.
What is the meaning of may please?
We use the word "may" to ask for permission. We can either ask permission for ourselves ("May I please use your bathroom?") or on behalf of a third person ("May my daughter please use your bathroom?"). I can't think of a situation where you would ask a second person permission for themselves to do something.
Why do judges say what say you?
It is also part of the old-fashioned and more formal language of courts of law, and is used to ask about decisions or to ask a defendant to issue an official plea of "guilty" or "not guilty": To the charge of murder in the first degree, what say you?
Is Judge Judy a court?
Her highly-rated television show depicts a form of alternate dispute resolution, called binding arbitration. Judge Judy acts as an arbitrator in a TV-studio. Although the studio looks like a real courtroom, it is not part of any federal, state, or local judicial district/circuit.
Is there romance in May It Please the Court kdrama?
The plot is very clever and deserves credit but this is definitely aided by superb acting from the entire cast which is outstanding. It does have sweet moments but please be aware this is not a romance but a serious drama with some violent scenes.
What is the synopsis of grace on the court?
Grace Parker is trying to figure out how to handle the 3Bs: boys, boy bands and ball sports. Things were simple for netball nerd Grace Parker at primary school. But high school's a whole new story … Grace's greatest rival on the court, Amber Burns, just made the same netball team as her.
Why may it please the court?
Most law schools teach that when our feet reach the podium the first words we should pronounce-with clarity, while meeting the judge's eyes-are: "May it please the court...." There is nothing wrong with the phrase, except it's just a polite nicety if the advo- cate does not know how to "please the court."
What does the judge say before court?
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 full court mean in slang?
An all-out effort to exert pressure. For example, She'd learned over the years how to deliver a full-court press of guilt . The term alludes to a basketball tactic in which the defenders put pressure on the opposing team over the entire court, trying to disrupt their dribbling and passing. [ Late 1900s]
Why is May called May?
May is named after the Greek goddess Maia. This print is an allegorical representation of the month of May. The artist has included the twins Castor and Pollux because the zodiac sign of Gemini starts in May. Christian Bernhard Rode (1725–1797), Allegorical representation of the month of May.
Is it correct to say May you please?
Is “May you please” grammatically correct? * No. * a. may + I + verb ( It is used to ask politely if you can do something or it is otherwise used to get permission from you.)
What does ma stand for?
There are two prominent types of master's degrees — the Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Science (MS).
What does may mean in a court order?
The word “may” is an expression of possibility, a permissive choice to act or not, and ordinarily implies some degree of discretion . This contrasts with the word “ shall ,” which is generally used to indicate a mandatory provision.
Is it illegal to not answer questions in court?
When individuals refuse to answer deposition questions, courts may hold them in contempt. Contempt charges occur if a refusal disrupts the legal process or disobeys a court order. Penalties for contempt charges include fines, imprisonment, or both.
How to argue a motion before a judge?
Preparing Your Oral Argument
In planning your presentation, make sure to highlight and make a theme of your case's merits. But also anticipate problems for your side and prepare responses to questions the judges are likely to ask or to issues that opposing counsel is likely to raise in his or her presentation.
What happens if you say nothing in court?
You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to make any statement. Anything you say will be recorded and may be given in evidence in court. You have the right to speak with a lawyer without delay and in private before deciding to answer any questions.
Do you have to say I invoke the 5th?
A witnesses failure to clearly, expressly and unambiguously invoke his right against self incrimination when that person is not in custody and is being questioned prior to arrest permits the State to use that silence as evidence of guilt at trial. You Must CLEARLY Assert Fifth Amendment Privilege.
Can a judge force you to answer a question?
It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer before agreeing to answer questions. In general, only a judge can order you to answer questions.