Presenting the Case in Court

It is important to observe the following:

1. Dress appropriately for a Courtroom setting. 
2. Show respect for the Court.
3. Do not bring food or drinks in the courtroom.
4. Chewing gum is prohibited.
5. Do not read or sleep in the courtroom..
6.  Arrive a few minutes before your case is scheduled to be heard.  Several cases will be calendared for the same time period, and you may have to wait for your case to be heard.
7. Speak clearly and only when the judge asks you to speak.
8. Address the judge as “Your Honor."
9. The bailiff will take any exhibits from you and give them to the judge.  Never approach the bench to give the judge your paperwork.
10. Speak to the judge, not the other party.
11. Never interrupt the judge.
12. Speak in a calm, clear way so that you can be understood.  Never lose your temper or use obscenities.

The landlord will be given the opportunity to explain his side of the case first.  The tenants will then be given a turn to tell the judge their side of the case.  After the tenants have completed presenting their information, the landlord may ask the Court to be allowed to respond to what has been said.  The judge will not allow you to talk about things that are not relevant.

The judge will normally announce the decision at the end of the trial.  If something is not clear it is appropriate to ask the Court for clarification.  If the judge wants to think about the case or research the law before making a decision, the judge may take the case under submission.  When the decision is made, the Court will send a written decision to all of the parties.