[free-sklyarov] Fwd: Courtroom pointers

[Christopher R. Maden]

Rob's dad is a federal judge, and he gets picky about this stuff. (-:

-crism

>From: "Robert J. Hansen" <rjhansen at inav.net>
>To: "Christopher R. Maden" <crism at maden.org>
>Subject: Courtroom pointers
>Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 06:50:19 -0700
>
>Please forward this on to the Free-Sklyarov mailing list.  I don't know how
>many of the people who are going to show up will have had any experience
>with courtrooms outside of _Night Court_ reruns and old Perry Mason
>episodes.  Still, better be safe than sorry.
>
>==========
>
>Courtroom Etiquette
>
>DO:
>     * Be quiet.  Don't make noise in the gallery, no matter what the
>provocation or need.  If you absolutely must say something, then write it
>down on a piece of paper.
>
>     * Pay attention to the instructions of the Clerk of Court.
>
>     * Turn off your cellphone and pager.  If your occupation absolutely
>requires you to be available, set your gear to vibrate instead of ring.
>Don't ever use a cellphone in the courtroom; if it's an emergency call that
>you absolutely must take, then just get up and quietly leave the courtroom.
>
>     * Once you're out, stay out.  Judges don't like to see people walking in
>and out of the courtroom while court's in session.
>
>     * Use the restroom before you go in.  Bail hearings are usually routine
>matters, but every now and again they turn into three-hour marathons.
>
>
>DON'T:
>     * Distract anyone.  Dmitry and his lawyer have a hard enough time ahead
>of them without being distracted by friendly waves and shows of support.
>You being there is going to show plenty of support by itself.
>
>     * Bring food or drink into the courtroom.
>
>     * Bring a camera.  IT IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS
>IN A COURTROOM WITHOUT THE JUDGE'S PRIOR APPROVAL.  Unless you want to wind
>up sharing a cell with Dmitry, leave the cameras at home!
>
>     * Disrupt other trials.  Remember that when you're moving through the
>courthouse, other courtrooms are already hearing cases.  Keep the noise
>level to a minimum so as not to disturb other trials.