Join the court craze and learn some court etiquette

MBOMBELA – The Oscar Pistorius trial has placed courts in the spotlight.  Here are a few interesting court practices that form part of the traditions of expected behaviour in South African courts:

The person sitting in front of the court in the High Court is called a judge and is addressed as My Lord or My Lady – Mbombela does not have a High court yet, but it is on it’s way!

The city of Mbombela has  a Magistrate’s court and the person sitting on the front bench is called a Magistrate and is addressed as Your Worship.

Attorneys and advocates refer to one another as “my learned colleague.”

It is expected of those who practice law to bow when they enter or exit a courtroom.

When the Judge or Magistrate enters the courtroom, each and every person rises respectfully until they are asked to be seated.

If you are interested in law, take note that the public is allowed to attend most court cases – be sure to do so if you get the opportunity.