This guide is a comprehensive resource for BTC students looking to improve their advocacy skills and ace the oral skills assessments. With clear explanations, relatable examples and practical tips, you'll learn how to craft persuasive arguments, present evidence effectively, and confidently cross-e...
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. COURT ROOM ETIQUETTE
2. INTRODUCTION
3. RECORDING YOUR APPEARANCE
4. ADDRESSING THE BENCH
5. ADDRESSING YOUR OPPONENTS
6. ADDRESSING THE WITNESSES
7. WHEN TO STAND UP/SIT DOWN
8. COURT ATTIRE AND DRESS CODE
9. WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE!
10. CITING CASES AND AUTHORITY
11. THE BASIC TRIAL PROCEDURE
12. CONFERENCE WITH A CLIENT
- MANAGING CLIENT’S
DEMEANOURS
- POSSIBLE TYPE OF QUESTIONS
ACE YOUR ADVOCACY SKILLS IN CLIENT MAY ASK
13. FORMULATING CASE THEORY
THE BARRISTER TRAINING
14. EXAMINATION IN CHIEF
COURSE
WITH SAMPLE SCRIPT
15. CROSS EXAMINATION
WITH SAMPLE SCRIPT
16. RE-EXAMINATION
WITH SAMPLE SCRIPT
17. SAMPLE SCRIPTS
(THAT I HAVE PREPARED DURING
BARRISTER TRAINING COURSE)
- CASE THEORY
- CROSS-EXAMINATION
, HOW SHOULD BARRISTERS CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN COURT?
COURT ROOM ETIQUETTE
IN OPEN COURT
The Court Clerk (usually the interpreter on duty) will announce that the Court is ready
and all who are present are required to stand when the Judge enters.
The judge approaches his seats and bows
Everyone present in the Court bows in return
When the Judge is seated, the rest of the Court may sit down.
The Court Clerk will then call each case for hearing, as it appears on the Court List.
Counsel for the parties will then announce their appearances.
INTRODUCTION
Introductions are done, starting with counsel for the Plaintiff or Appellant in the
following manner(s):-
• If My Lord pleases, my name is __________and I appear with my learned friend,
________for the respondent/defendant; or
• My Learned friend ____ and with him ____ appear for the respondent.
(1) The Plaintiff/appellant Counsel will then proceed to argue his/her case.
(2) The Defendant/Respondent Counsel will then argue the Defendant/Respondent’s
case.
(3) The Judge may adjourn or retire to consider the matter upon completion of the
proceedings.
(4) The Court Clerk will announce the next date for the hearing or decision, and the
Court will move on to the next case or adjourn for the day.
****Remember to stand when the Judge leaves the courtroom*****
RECORDING YOUR APPEARANCE
Always remember to record your appearance with the Court Clerk on duty once you
have arrived in Court. If you are required to write in your name, always make sure that
it is written in full, legibly and neatly.
1
, ADDRESSING THE BENCH
It is important for barrister to show respect and professionalism when addressing the bench,
as this can help to establish a positive rapport and enhance the credibility of their arguments.
Using the appropriate titles and forms of address can help to convey this sense of respect,
while also ensuring that everyone in the courtroom understands their roles and
responsibilities
You should address members of the Bench in the following ways:-
• I respectfully invite My Lord’s attention to…
• May it please the Court..
• When appearing before a Court made up of more than one (1) Judge you
may say
o “If the Court pleases…”, or
o “If it pleases the Bench…”, or
o “May it please Your Lordships”
• My Lord, the Court’s attention is invited to…
How to Address the Bench
Circuit Judge/recorder Crown Court Your Honour
Judge
High Court Judges My Lord or My Lady
QB or Chancery Masters/Master of Master
the Supreme Court or a taxing master
A bench of lay Magistrates Sir or Madam
Courts
House of Lord Judges My Lord
Court of Appeal Judges My Lord
My Lady
District Judges (civil and Sir or Madam
criminal) and tribunals If more than one: "the court or you sir
and you colleagues”
Court Clerk Mr/Ms Clerk
Court Usher Mr/Ms Usher
HOW TO ADDRESS YOUR OPPONENTS / OTHER
• When referring to your opposing advocate, the correct term of address is to refer
to him/her:-
If the person representing the other ‘my learned friend’
party is a Barrister
If the other party is acting as a Mr/Mrs/Miss…
litigant in person
2
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