A courthouse is a place where judges, and sometimes juries, decide if someone has broken the law.

It starts with someone allegedly breaking the law, which is reported to the police. If police believe there is sufficient evidence of a crime, they lay a charge or charges. The person who is charged becomes the defendant. Police or a Prosecutor may want to interview a defendant — a defendant should NEVER speak to police or a Prosecutor without first getting advice from their lawyer.

Once charged, a defendant has a choice to plead guilty or not guilty, and then a trial occurs.

When you arrive at the courthouse:

• Before you enter any courtroom, you may be searched. There may be metal detectors and court security at the entrances. Court security officers may ask to search your belongings, including briefcases, backpacks, and purses. Make sure you do not have any knives or sharp objects — these items may be taken away and you may not be allowed in.
• Check the daily hearing list for the courtroom number and time. If you cannot find what you are looking for, ask a member of court staff.
• Do not take photographs anywhere in the courthouse unless a judge has given you permission.
• Make sure to be on time. If you are late, you may be asked to wait outside until there is a break in proceedings.

Inside the courtroom — Do's and Don'ts:

• Anyone can usually join court proceedings. If a sign is posted on the courtroom door saying proceedings are not open to the public, do not enter.
• Turn off your cellphone before entering. You are not allowed to use electronic devices in courtrooms unless the judge allows it. If you require these as a memory aid or accessibility device, let your lawyer know.
• If you do not have a lawyer, a duty counsel can make requests on your behalf. You can also call the court clerk if any accommodations are needed.
• Do not eat or drink in the courtroom. Do not chew gum during court. If gum helps with anxiety or is needed for a medical reason, speak with your lawyer or duty counsel — they will speak to the judge on your behalf.
• Smoking is not allowed.
• Dress appropriately and conservatively — wear your best clothes (clean, no rips or tears, no offensive language or logos).
• Do not wear hats or headwear except for religious reasons. Do not wear sunglasses unless for a medical reason. If sunglasses, hats, or noise-cancelling headphones are required, let your lawyer or duty counsel know in advance — before the judge enters the room.
• If you require a mobility device, advise the court in advance through your lawyer or duty counsel so that an accessible room can be arranged.
• When the courtroom is open, find a seat in the gallery. Standing is not allowed.
• When the judge enters, everyone must rise to show respect. If standing is difficult due to balance, mobility, or chronic pain, tell your lawyer or duty counsel before the proceedings begin.
• Remain standing until the registrar invites you to be seated.
• Remain silent throughout the proceedings. If you need to speak to someone, step outside. If self-talk is part of your challenges, let your lawyer know.
• Stand up whenever you speak to the judge or the judge speaks to you.
• If addressing a judge or master of the Superior Court of Justice, call them "Your Honour".
• Each court has a morning, lunch, and afternoon break. The timing is up to the judge.
• Follow any direction given by court staff. If you do not follow their direction, you may be asked to leave.

You might be asked about things you do not remember or about things that did not happen. If you do not remember, say "I do not remember." Do not guess. If you know something never happened, say so. If you forget the order in which things happened, that is okay. The most important thing is to tell the truth.

If you begin to feel overwhelmed and need a break, let your lawyer know. It is easy to get confused if you are asked too many questions at once. You can ask your lawyer to make sure you are only asked one question at a time.

The Role of the Judge
The judge listens carefully to everything said in court and decides whether a law has been broken. The judge hears all the witnesses and puts all the pieces of information together — like a puzzle — before making a final decision on whether the accused is guilty or not guilty.

The Role of the Crown Attorney / Prosecutor
The Crown Attorney is the person who prosecutes the accused. In court, you may hear the Crown Attorney refer to the defence lawyer as "my friend." This is simply a term of professional respect — not a personal friendship.

The Role of the Defence Lawyer
The defence lawyer's job is to help the accused. If you have been charged with a crime, a defence lawyer will represent you.

The Role of the Court Clerk
The court clerk helps the judge. When the judge enters, the clerk says "All rise," which means everyone must stand. The clerk reads out the charge at the beginning of the trial and may ask if you promise to tell the truth — if so, say "I do."

The Role of the Court Reporter
The court reporter's job is to record everything that is said in the courtroom.

Where Everyone Sits:

• The judge sits at the very front and centre of the courtroom.
• The witness sits in a box on the judge's left-hand side.
• The court clerk and court reporter sit in front of the judge.
• If there is a jury, the jury members sit in a box on the side of the courtroom.
• The Crown Attorney and police officer sit at a desk in the middle, facing the judge.
• The defence attorney sits at a desk to the left of the Crown Attorney, also facing the judge.
• People watching sit at the back of the courtroom, facing the judge.
• The court security officer sits behind the defence lawyer and Crown Attorney, in front of those watching.

Role of Witnesses
People who were present during the alleged crime will be asked to tell what they saw or heard. If you do not understand a question, say "I don't understand." If you still do not understand after it is repeated, ask for it to be said in a simpler way.

Role of the Jury
Sometimes, instead of the judge, a jury of 12 people decides whether the accused is guilty. The jury listens to all the witnesses and makes a decision together.

Information adapted from: What's My Job In Court and Ontario Court – Etiquette Procedures.