How to Prepare for Trial If you’re appearing for the first time in court, you might feel uncertain about what to expect. It can be an intimidating situation, but your attorney will be there to guide you through the process. As attorneys, we spend a lot of our time in and around the courtroom, and we know what a judge and others are looking for. Here are some of the general guidelines I go over with my clients before their trial so they can feel confident when they walk into the courtroom. 1. DRESS (AND BEHAVE) PROFESSIONALLY. For men, this generally means a blue or black suit with a tie and nice shoes. For women, dress conservatively. A sweater or blouse, nice shoes, and a skirt or pants are good options. 2. DON’T SHOW OFF YOUR ROLEX. While it’s not prohibited to wear luxury items to court, it’s also not helpful. It can turn off some judges, and when the matter of finances comes up, it can paint the wrong picture. 3. ALWAYS STAND UP WHEN THE JUDGE WALKS INTO, OR OUT OF, THE ROOM. This shows respect for the judge and demonstrates your cooperation with the court. General Guidelines for the Courtroom
RATED E FOR EVERYONE
WHAT DO RATINGS MEAN, AND HOW SHOULD YOU USE THEM?
Despite guidance from ratings systems, it can be difficult for parents to discern what digital content is appropriate for their children. Learn more about ratings guidelines for common entertainment media and how to decipher that information so you can make educated decisions that work for your family. MOVIES: G-rated movies are considered suitable for all ages, whereas PG, PG-13, and R-rated movies are progressively less appropriate for kids because of violence, nudity, and language. Some ratings come with age limits; children who are under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult at R-rated movies. TV SHOWS: Due to laws that limit inappropriate content on public airwaves, TV rating systems follow unique codes. In the U.S., shows that are rated as TV-14 (content that is suitable for those ages 14 and older) can only air after 5 p.m. Meanwhile, TV-MA (content that is appropriate for mature audiences) can only air between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Most shows airing between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. are rated TV-G or TV-PG. These are similar in content to their movie counterparts. Some television children’s shows will also be rated as TV-Y or TV-Y7, and their only distinction is that TV-Y7 has been deemed appropriate for young children ages 7 and older. TV ratings can also have additional descriptors attached to them to explain what kind of content earned the rating. VIDEO GAMES: There are seven video game ratings: Early Childhood (EC), Everyone (E), Everyone 10+ (E10), Teen (T), Mature (M), Adults Only (AO), or Rating Pending (RP). These ratings provide consumers with more information about content. Again, as the age of the intended user increases, content progresses from allowing mild violence or suggestive content to adult themes. When choosing family entertainment, experts suggest using both the rating and the description of the media to make your decision since the rating system may not fully explain media content. For example, studies have found that a PG-13 movie can sometimes have just as much violence as an R-rated movie. Additionally, you may be fine with the content in a T-rated video game for a more developmentally advanced 11-year-old. Once you get past all the combinations of numbers and letters, you as a parent might find that ratings for video games, movies, and TV shows provide helpful information. Couple the ratings with your own research and your own values, and put an end to worrying about what surprises may lurk in your children’s media.
4. ADDRESS THE JUDGE AS “YOUR HONOR.” Avoid using “judge” or “sir.” Stick to the respectful “Your Honor.”
5. SHOW RESPECT TO EVERYONE IN THE COURTROOM. Especially when addressing the other attorney and the other party, be respectful. Use “Mr.” and “Mrs.” and avoid using first names. Try to keep your emotions in check and avoid showing anger in the courtroom. Even if you might enjoy seeing your former spouse getting “beat up” by the judge, don’t show it.
During the trial, remember that people — especially the judge — are paying attention. They are watching body language as much as they are the evidence. Being respectful, looking and behaving professionally, and managing your emotions will set a good tone for your case and help you establish yourself in a better light to everyone involved.
–Rosalie Cruz
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2 • BrucePA.com
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