Mobile telephones must be turned off and solicitors should not play games or read newspapers while waiting. Lawyers are expected to be well-groomed when arriving at the office or the courtroom. Don’t bring food, gum, or anything to drink into the court room. South Africa - South Africa - Security: South Africa has a large, well-equipped army, by far the largest contingent of the country’s armed forces. Child support Alimony Lawsuits and disputes Filing a lawsuit Going to court. The good news it you will soon be able to access the service…, Your email address will not be published. The Do’s and Don’t of going to court to get your Debt restructuring Court Order. jury sitting in courtroom - courtroom stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images . In a civil matter, the plaintiff (whoever is bringing the matter to court) sits on the right side of the Bar Table. If you have never been to the Magistrates Court before here are some tips to help make sure you don’t step on anyone’s toes or embarrass yourself. The idea was that, if advocates could not see how much they were being paid, the quality of their advocacy in court could not be compromised. It is important to be aware of the diversity of traditions and practices regarding etiquette in South Africa. In South Africa a Magistrate is traditionally referred to as “Your Worship” as opposed to Your Honor. Talking, whispering, giggling, shuffling papers, or disturbing the composure of the proceedings with phones or pagers is not allowed. modern courtroom wide angle from gallery's point-of-view - courtroom stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. No hats are allowed. Despite South Africa's division into nine provinces, the country has a single national court system. 10 Etiquette Tips for Testifying in Court. Your email address will not be published. For additional information, please visit our website at www.pbla.ca Many consumers and Debt Counsellors make use of it each month to find suppliers and service providers. They apply the law of South Africa and are established under the Constitution of South Africa or under Acts of the Parliament of South Africa.. How to rescue your business from the impact of COVID-19. When practitioners of these disciplines encounter each other in the courts as they often do these days, much ignorance, suspicion and ambivalence is evident. You should not look overly casual. Cell phones and similar devices should either be off altogether or on a silent setting. The English bar entered into a period of mourning which lasted longer than expected. South Africans are relaxed and friendly but they also work hard. We are a full service law firm - one of the largest business law firms in South Africa, with more than 350 lawyers and a track record spanning over 166 years. 8 Butler Fundamentals of Forensic DNA Typing 23-25. If criminal, then red. Rather wait or exit the court if you need to make or receive a call. Avoid laughing or smirking in the courtroom. Going to court? Why are you losing so many rulings at trial? Priscilla Jana speaking in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 2007, when she was South Africa’s ambassador to Ireland. The land was originally home to a broad diversity of African tribes and peoples with varying languages and customs. When in the courtroom, court etiquette in South Australia requires you to maintain an appropriate standard of behaviour and dress. She recalls the basic etiquette rules she learned as a law student. Even if you feel it would help. That said, I often prepare my clients for the things he/she should do and not do when going before the judge. Produced in coordination with PBLA and Alberta Courts. If necessary, you will be removed from the auditorium. Professor Meintjies van der Walt is a pioneer of this way of thought in South Africa. 3) Refer to the judge as “your honor,” not “judge.”. Indeed interrupting the court process could find you in contempt of court. “And don’t try to impress me with your manner of dress, Cause a monkey in silk is a monkey no less” – Rodriguez. 2) Adopt a polite and somewhat formal tone. Search the all new list of the top lawyers in South Africa. Senior lecturer in the Department of Public Law, University of the Free State, South Africa. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright © 2020 debtfreedigi.co.za. The purpose is not to make lawyers into scientists but to create an informed fraternity who know when to seek scientific help, and who are able to extract the fullest from such scientific advice. It is not appropriate to be seen using your cell phone to send messages or instant messages during the session. Don’t bring food, gum, or anything to drink into the court room. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Learn more about the top legal talent. The dress code, like the legal system, finds its origin in both the English and Dutch traditions. For a more in depth discussion on the history of South African court dress see this article by L Kent. Due to the absence of strict regulations that many overseas businesses have to deal with, South Africa is an ideal breeding ground for entrepreneurs. Courtroom Etiquette for Lawyers. Do raise right hand, palm toward each other when greeting, as it symbolises “No weapons” in ancient times, and is widely used as symbol of friendship nowadays. Student Debt Repayments place strain on graduates The cost of education has, like everything else, been increasing. Its origin is obscure but there exist two theories: The first is that, this was once a money sack for brief fees. Competition Law, Employment, Corporate, Commercial, Litigation, IT & Tax Law Firm in South Africa +27 11 562 1000. In South Africa a Magistrate is traditionally referred to as “Your Worship” as opposed to Your Honor. “Judicial Ethics in South Africa Guidelines for Judges” provides that a judicial officer “should always act courteously and respect the dignity of all who have business” in the court.5 2.3 Patience and self-control There are frequent occasions when a magistrate may find … What are you allowed to say to them in the hallway or social media? Norms and etiquette can vary between different ethnicities, linguistic groups and religions.If unsure of the correct etiquette in certain circumstances, do not hesitate to ask your South African counterpart or at least observe the people around you for guidance. It is considered inappropriate for practitioners to talk loudly inside the courtroom (and outside the courtroom where they can be heard) while awaiting their turn, or to move around the courtroom in a disruptive manner. The macabre colour of the robe can be traced back to 1685 the year in which Charles II died. E-mail: visserjm@ufs.ac.za. Pocket Sized National Credit Act booklet - Updated (shipping incl). Black Robes are worn by both advocates and attorneys in the High Court. Show 2 more Show 2 less . Through a focus on the debates in and out of the courtroom that the Pistorius trial generated, this paper explores the intersection between the judicial function, the media and the public. DNA PROFILING AND THE LAW IN SOUTH AFRICA S de Wet* H Oosthuizen** J Visser*** 1 Introduction ... 6 Meintjes-Van der Walt DNA in the Courtroom: Principles and Practice 6. It is concerning to many consumers that in order to get their debt review sorted out they may need to attend court. http://www.bdlive.co.za/opinion/2012/11/14/judicial-dress-codes-are-due-for-a-makeover, General Litigation and Dispute Resolution, http://www.bdlive.co.za/opinion/2012/11/14/judicial-dress-codes-are-due-for-a-makeover. South Africa Dos. Courtroom Etiquette 101. In regards to hairstyle, men are expected to maintain shorter hairstyles that are neat and conservative in style. Shaik told the court that foreign companies understood BEE to only apply to Africans and not other race groups in South Africa. Read Debtfree Magazine – SA’s Debt Counselling Magazine, Read Debtfree DIGI Magazine – the Debt Counselling Magazine, African Bank need your help – to kick consumers out of Debt Review. The Dress code for court is closer to “Sunday Best” than “jeans and a T-shirt”. Often treated as beings of unlimited power and unknowable disposition, Judges and their clerks are mysteries to many lawyers. For many consumers the prospect of going to court in order to get a debt restructuring court order is very intimidating. Black Robes are worn by both advocates and attorneys in the High Court. Rather wait or exit the court if you need to make or receive a call. In legal and professional psychology circles in South Africa, the relationship between psychology and law is not yet clearly and formally recognized. You should wait in the public seating area located in the back of the courtroom until your matter has been called. Any experienced lawyer in South Carolina can attest to the fact that being on the best of your behavior and respectful in a courtroom is very beneficial. The court must be silent and still when the court is being opened or closed, … Being respectful also goes a long way toward being respected. As far as shoes are concerned, they must be either black or brown and women must ensure that they do not wear open sandals or shoes without a strap or a back around the heel. Through my internship with a Circuit Court Judge and thereafter as an attorney, I have seen unacceptable behaviors exhibited in the courtroom. S DE WET, H OOSTHUIZEN AND J VISSER PER / PELJ 2011(14)4 173 / 351 sequences of nucleotide bases that … It is highly advisable to remain calm and collected all through your court sessions. In fact, South Africa is a nourishing place for new ventures. 7 Adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T). Here are some tips and information on what to do in court. 1 Shaffer 1979 Notre Dame Law 232. The prescribed rate of interest in terms of the Prescribed Rate of Interest Act has decreased from 9,75% to 7,75% with effect from 1 June 2020. The shirt or blouse must be a pristine white. The advocates robe has a piece of triangular cloth attached to the left shoulder which is cut in two lengthways. Never do so inside the courtroom. In the US a recent study showed that students with degrees are…, You no doubt have enjoyed using our helpful Service Directory Section for Debt review services in the magazine each month. Even if you feel it would help. Do give a strong handshake as in Africa, feeble handshake was described as “ill-manners” and no sincerity, and strong handshake is a gesture of goodwill. The rules of the South African courts prescribe a dress code for legal practitioners who appear before the court. Here are some tips and information on what to do in court. a lawyer and the jury - courtroom stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. How do you address them? We use cookies (the computer type not the tasty ones) to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 2 See Waldner City Press 2; Venter Star 4; Peters Daily News 6; Maphumulo Sunday Independent 1. After many years as an anti-apartheid lawyer, … According to some, it is divided in half to create two segments, one for gold coins, and the other for silver. For a thorough discussion of selected cases, see Slabbert 2011 PELJ 211-221. 5 years ago. Constitutional Court Justices have worn Green Robes since February 1995 when the court was formally opened. In South Africa a presiding officer’s dress is determined by the nature matter; if the case is a civil, the judge will wear black. This month Debtfree DIGI contains and article on how to conduct oneself while at court. In the Magistrates’ Court, only attorneys are required to wear the robes when appearing. The theory is that since advocates were not openly paid for their work, clients made a payment into counsel’s pocket, literally behind their back, to preserve their dignity. Required fields are marked *. The judge, injury or accident attorneys, jury, and attendees closely examine what you say and how you say it. South Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, bordering Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho. Pants or skirts must be either black or a dark grey. While an Armani suit might also be a bit much, and call into question if you really need debt review, it is better to err on the side of well dressed rather than sloppy. It is important to behave respectfully in the courtroom so that the proceedings are not unnecessarily disrupted. Debt Review. 1: The judge not only represents the ultimate authority in the court, but also the law. Here are 20 basic rules of courtroom etiquette: 1) Act with decorum and dignity, regardless of the temptations or provocations. According to local paper The Times, Addelaid Ferreira Watt (pictured above) was in Ixopo regional court when a loaded firearm on display fell and accidentally fired […] The post South African Lawyer Dies In Freak Courtroom Accident Involving Gun! All Rights Reserved. A freak accident in a South Africa courtroom claimed the life of a lawyer on Monday when a falling gun shot and killed her. This means that many learners are having to borrow even more to pay for their education. Her line of teaching needs to be instituted at every faculty. Facial hair is acceptable as long as it is well groomed. When you come into and leave the courtroom do so quietly. Never do so inside the courtroom. In the Magistrates’ Court, only attorneys are required to wear the robes when appearing. Etiquette Rule No. courtroom 1 - courtroom stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. The navy has a small fleet consisting of frigates, submarines, minesweepers, small strike craft, and auxiliary vessels. from Clio PRO . Going to court? The rules of etiquette must be followed by everyone who attends the court including the public. The work culture and etiquette in South Africa can take a bit of getting used to. Appendix 1 : 3 Judicial Ethics in South Africa [To be issued by the Chief Justice, the President of the Constitutional Court and the judges president of the different high courts and the Labour Appeal Court, and the President of the Land Claims Court.] December 19, 2017 “All the world’s a stage,” as they say; and apparently, that includes the courtroom. The rules of the South African courts prescribe a dress code for legal practitioners who appear before the court. Adopting the appropriate court etiquette in NSW (New South Wales) is important as it displays respect for the courts and the legal system. Vicki Dearing, J.D., Legal Studies program director at South University, Montgomery, offers her students insights into courtroom etiquette from her years of experience as an attorney. The courts of South Africa are the civil and criminal courts responsible for the administration of justice in South Africa. It is polite to nod or bow your head toward the Magistrate in acknowledgement when entering and leaving if they are already present in the court room. This has changed irreversibly the manner in which the media and the justice system in South Africa converge. Western Cape judge president John Hlophe is passionate about the need to Africanise South Africa's colonial legal system but not, it appears, the … Anytime someone is called to the witness stand in a courtroom to testify, he or she is under scrutiny. Acceptable as long as it is concerning to many lawyers to attend court of education has, the..., South Africa can take a bit of getting used to some tips and information what... 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