The Gazette 1986

sepTemBER

1986

GAZETTE

Court Etiquette Solicitors, practising in the Courts, and in particular, the District Court, should at all times be conscious of how their conduct is viewed by the Judge or District Justice and the public. While most practitioners have great regard for the Court, some may from time to time forget the obliga- tions which attach to their presence in Court. The following suggestions should therefore be noted and borne in mind: Solicitors should dress in clothing suitable (i.e., conservative) to the dignity of the Court and of the proceedings before it. Generally, on a Solicitor's first appearance in Court, he/she is introduced by a more senior colleague to the Court. The Justice welcomes the Solicitor, the Senior Garda Officer present in the Court joins in the welcome as does the District Court Clerk. The Solicitor should of course speak in reply to the words of welcome. The Court should always be acknowledged both on entry and departure, e.g., by standing quietly and to attention on entry of the Judge or Justice or by standing quietly and waiting for the Judge or Justice to leave the bench and Courtroom. There should be no talking or discussion during the taking of the Oath by Witnesses. There should be no reading of newspapers or smoking in the Courtroom while the Court is in session. There should be little or no discussion or talking either between colleagues or between Solicitors and the public while the Court is in session, and particu- larly when the Judge or Justice is delivering a decision. When Solicitors enter or leave the Courtroom, they should do so as quietly as possible so as to minimise any noise and distraction in doing so. Solicitors should arrive early in Court, and if possible make themselves known to the client. If unknown to the Court, particularly the District Court, one should identify oneself to the Clerk or District Justice. Solicitors should be thoroughly versed in and aware of the Rules of Evidence, particularly regarding the nature and content of cross-examination of witnesses. Solicitors should always be attentive, polite and not engage in bulllying or aggressive behaviour or cross- examination during the hearing of cases.

Observance of such procedures serve to enhance the dignity of the Courts, the image of the profession before them, and can only serve to assist the judiciary in reciprocating and being seen to reciprocate the dignity of the Court and of the Solicitors' profession. •

Prepared by Paddy Daly, Solicitor, Galway.

HANDWRITING & SUSPECT DOCUMENT ANALYSIS

T. T. W. ALLEN "Seaview", Ballyguile, Co. Wicklow (0404) 9266 (anytime)

Company Secretarial Consultant Peter H. Quinlan MBA AITI offers A COMPLETE COMPANY SERVICE Searches and Updates of Company Records Advice on Corporate Procedures Drafting of Resolutions and Minutes Arrangement of Company Meetings Filing Returns and Other Compliance. 67 Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4. Telephone: (01) 684245

The above suggestions are not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive, but should help as a guideline to all those engaged in litigation and Court appearances.

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