What Every Self-Rep Needs to Know
Walking into a courtroom for the first time can be intimidating. As a self-represented litigant, you’re not only navigating the law—you’re also navigating an unfamiliar environment with its own rules, traditions, and expectations. One of the best things you can do before your day in court is to learn basic courtroom etiquette. It shows respect for the process and helps you make a positive impression.
Under normal circumstances, I would strongly recommend attending a court hearing in advance, just to observe. But even that can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. So here’s a practical guide to help you prepare.
Before You Enter: Security and Access
Courthouses in Canada are generally open to the public during regular business hours, typically Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, hours can vary by location, so it’s wise to check ahead.
Upon entering, you will go through security screening—similar to what you’d experience at an airport. Coats, bags, and personal items must go through an X-ray machine, and you’ll walk through a metal detector. Allow extra time for this, especially in larger courthouses where lineups can be long.
Prohibited items vary by court, but common restrictions include sharp objects, tools, and sometimes even large bags or liquids. When in doubt, leave it at home or in your car.
Finding Your Way
Once inside, look for the docket board or electronic display. This bulletin board lists all courtrooms and the cases scheduled for that day. If you have a case being heard, find your name and note the room number.
Most courthouses also have an information desk where staff can answer basic questions or direct you to the filing office. They cannot give legal advice, but they can help with logistics—like where to file documents or how to find a specific courtroom.
Before Your Hearing
If you are a party to a case, arrive early. Plan to be at the courthouse at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time, and factor in security and navigation. Wait outside your assigned courtroom until you are called or invited in.
In many courthouses, a court officer or coordinator will approach parties waiting in the hallway. They may ask for your name and case number, and sometimes provide a contact form to fill out before the judge enters. This helps the court keep track of who is present.
Entering the Courtroom
When you are invited to enter, do so quietly and take a seat. In many courtrooms, the seating arrangement reflects the parties’ roles:
- Plaintiff / Applicant typically sits on the right side of the courtroom (facing the judge).
- Defendant / Respondent typically sits on the left.
If you’re unsure, observe where others sit or quietly ask a court officer. It’s better to ask than to sit in the wrong place.
Once seated, remain quiet. Turn off or silence your phone. Avoid chewing gum, eating, or drinking. If you need to take notes, do so quietly.
When the Judge Enters
When the judge is about to enter, a court officer or clerk will announce their arrival with a ceremonial phrase, such as “All rise.” At this signal, everyone in the courtroom stands. It is customary to stand quietly, facing the judge, and many people bow their heads slightly as a gesture of respect. You are not required to bow, but remaining still and silent is expected.
Remain standing until the judge is seated and the clerk indicates you may sit.
During the Hearing
When it’s your turn to speak, address the judge as “Your Honour.” Wait your turn, do not interrupt others, and speak clearly and respectfully. If you are responding to the judge or opposing party, begin with “Your Honour” and then state your name and role (e.g., “I am the defendant, representing myself”).
If you are unsure of a procedure, it is acceptable to politely ask the judge for guidance. For example: “Your Honour, I am self-represented and not familiar with the process. May I ask how I should proceed?”
Judges understand that self-reps are not lawyers. They will often provide basic direction, but they cannot give you legal advice.
When the Hearing Ends
At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge will rise to leave. The court officer will again announce, “All rise.” Stand quietly and remain standing until the judge has left the courtroom. A slight bow of the head as the judge exits is a common gesture of respect.
Once the judge has left, you may gather your belongings and leave quietly. If you need to speak with the other party or file additional documents, do so outside the courtroom.
A Final Word on Respect
Courtrooms are formal environments, but they are not unfriendly to those who show respect. Dressing appropriately (business casual or formal is recommended), arriving on time, and following these basic etiquette guidelines will go a long way toward making a good impression.
You don’t need to be a lawyer to be taken seriously. But showing that you take the process seriously is one of the most important things you can do as a self-represented litigant.
Why I Wrote Condozilla
All of this—the etiquette, the procedures, the unspoken rules—is exactly why I wrote Condozilla. Because the best way to prepare for something unfamiliar is to experience it first, even if only through a story.
Condozilla takes you on the journey of Clara and her mother as they navigate the legal system without a lawyer, fighting to save their home. It’s a realistic portrayal of what it feels like to step into a courtroom for the first time, to face a powerful opponent, and to find the strength to keep going. Through their story, I wanted to give self-represented litigants something I desperately needed when I started: a way to see the process before living it.
Because when you know what to expect, you’re no longer walking in blind. And sometimes, that makes all the difference.
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