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No matter the reason, going to court can be an intimidating experience. But knowing more about how courts work can go a long way toward alleviating the stress involved. Within the sections below you can find information on court room proceedings, including tips on how to conduct yourself in court. The question of whether or not to represent yourself in court also is one that comes up often, and the self-representation section addresses the circumstances in which being your own attorney might make sense. Related to this topic, small claims courts are one of the most accessible and commonly-used forums for people to seek relief in court, and below you can find links to resources on small claims courts across the nation.

In the Courtroom: Who Does What?

In a courtroom setting there are several key players in which you should be aware. The parties to a case, whether civil or criminal, are those people directly involved in the lawsuit. The witnesses are people who give testimony about the facts or issues in the case that are in dispute. The lawyers are the gladiators, if you will, representing each of the parties and sparring in court to bring out the facts that put his or her client's case in the most favorable light. The judge presides over the court proceedings, while the jury decides the facts of each case and applies the law the judge instructs upon.

Do's and Don'ts - Being a Witness

There are many theories on how to be the best witness possible in a courtroom. Perhaps the most important advice is always be honest with your attorney, even if your information is embarrassing. Moreover, DON'T take any drugs or alcohol before you testify. This may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised. Remember that "drugs" also includes things like cold medicine, or even more caffeine than you are used to. You should also be careful what you eat before you testify. That isn't the morning to skip breakfast if you usually have it.

What Is Jury Duty Like?

While jury duty is not always convenient and can cause a hardship, jury duty is still the duty and responsibility of every qualified citizen of this country to serve when called. You do not need any knowledge of the legal system to be a juror. The jury’s duty is first to decide the disputed issues of fact, and then to reach and return a true verdict that is based solely and exclusively on the evidence, testimony and law that is presented during the trial.

How Does a Judge Rule on Objections?

When an attorney wishes the judge to disallow evidence in court, he or she will say "objection." If a judge sustains the objection, it means that the judge agrees with the objection and disallows the question, testimony or evidence. If the judge overrules the objection, it means that the judge disagrees with the objection and allows the question, testimony or evidence. The judge may also permit the attorney to rephrase the question to correct whatever was objectionable.

How an Attorney Can Help

If you have concluded that your case is worth enough to justify you hiring an attorney, the first step is finding an attorney to represent you. Your attorney will be able to tell you exactly what is going on at any given time, explain how various court proceedings work, and will probably also be able to tell you about what he thinks may happen next.

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Recent Topics

  • Alabama Small Claims Courts
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    In Alabama, the Small Claims Division of the District Court hears claims limited to $3,000 or less, as specified in Code of Alabama, Section 12-12-31 . Judicial System Chart From the Alabama Judicial System. Alabama's Small Claims Forms From the Alab...

  • Alaska Small Claims Courts
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    In Alaska, the District Court Civil Division processes small claims: matters that do not exceed $10,000, as mandated by Alaska Statute Sec. 22.15.040 . Each county has a District Court. Alaska Small Claims Handbook [PDF] From the Alaska Court System....

  • Arizona Small Claims Courts
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    In Arizona, per Arizona Revised Statute 22-201 , Small Claims Courts decide small claims cases less than $2,500. Every justice court in Arizona has a small claims division and no attorneys are allowed to represent clients in these cases. In cases of ...

  • Arkansas Small Claims Courts
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    In Arkansas, claims limited to $5,000 or less District Courts, formerly known as Municipal Courts, as specified in Arkansas Code 16-17-704. District Courts Civil and Small Claims From the District Court of Sebastian County. Includes general informati...

  • California Small Claims Courts
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    In California, you can file as many claims as you wish for up to $2,500 in the Small Claims Court, per the Code of Civil Procedure, Part 1, Title 1, Ch. 5.5, Sections 116.110-950 . However, you may only file two (2) claims in any calendar year for a ...

  • Civil Contempt of Court
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    The meaning of "civil contempt of court," a civil charge levied by a judge for an act that is considered to be an insult or affront to the court.

  • Colorado Small Claims Courts
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    In Colorado, Colorado revised statutes, Sections 13.6.401-417 gives jurisdiction to the County Court Civil Division to process small claims that do not exceed $7,500. Each county has a District Court. No plaintiff may file more than two claims per mo...

  • Connecticut Small Claims Courts
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    In Connecticut, small claims actions are defined in General Statute Sec. 51-15 , filed in 22 different court locations, and are limited to $3,500 [Effective October 1, 2005, the amount will increase to $5,000]. Additionally, there is no limit in land...

  • Courtroom Proceedings

    Most people's ideas about what goes on in a courtroom comes from movies, television, books, or maybe serving on a jury themselves. The image of a courtroom presented in movies, television, and books may or may not be accurate representations of court...

  • Courtroom Proceedings in America
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    Chronological list of the different court proceedings, with advice on how to get through each phase, including information about representing yourself versus finding and hiring an attorney.

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