Module 7
How Advocates Can Support Sexual Assault Victims During Every Stage of the Criminal Justice System Process

Etiquette in the Courtroom

  • Arrive before proceedings are set to begin so as not to be disruptive.
  • Be aware of areas reserved for attorneys or press.
  • Courthouses are public places but most people entering a courthouse will be screened by airport-like security. Leave at home anything likely to be banned.
  • Stand when the judge enters the courtroom.
  • No electronics, cell phones, newspapers, books, etc.
  • No gum, food, or drink. (Witnesses are usually provided with water on the witness stand.)
  • Wear appropriate business-like attire. No hats.
  • No talking when court is in session.
  • As a spectator, do not express emotional reactions during testimony.

This module will be available to you as soon as you complete Module 1. To complete a module, you must read each of the lessons and complete the review quiz at the end.

It is important to finish Module 1 so that you have sufficient context for the rest of the program. After that, you'll have full access to jump between lessons however works best for you.

Tip: In the left sidebar, you'll notice a vertical bar of squares. Each square represents a lesson in that module. You can see at a glance which lessons you've done (brightly colored) and which ones you have not (gray).

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