How to Prepare for Court

I’m going to court for the first time and wanted to know which is the best TV show I can watch to prepare for court?

1. Judge Judy
2. Judge Joe Brown
3. Suits
    
   When I was in law school my late father told me that I should watch the Young & the Restless because “I’d learn a lot about the law and court”.  I gently suggested that I would prefer to stay in law school.
    
   So the answer is d) none. 
    
   Many more people are choosing to represent themselves in court (referred to as self represented litigants or SRL’s). There are various reasons why people choose to be a SRL but the best answer is to be prepared.  This is using a little humor to impress upon people who are attending court to take their attendance seriously.
    
   The following are some suggestions if you choose to represent yourself.
   

Do’s

• Consult a professional:
  
  • Lawyer referral services can get you a half hour free legal advice.  This is good if you have it at one quick question and or just want to clarify but after your 1/2 hour is over and it’s over
    
  • Look for a lawyer who offers limited retainer services.Limited retainer services can range from helping you feel of documents helping you prepare for court or just giving you some general advice or help you through any of the car processes
    
  • When at the courthouse, look for Duty Counsel, if available.
    
  • Check out the Alberta courts website for programs and services available in your area.  Some areas have free legal clinics
    
• Attend as an observer and watch how court.  Many court hearings are open to the public to observe but make sure that you’re aware whether public is allowed in the hearing.  Observe proper behavior in the court room.
  
• AT ALL TIMES be respectful and attentive to the presiding judge and other court officials
   
  Don’ts
  
  
• Don’t watch your favorite TV show and model yourself after your favourite character
  
  
• Don’t get your advice from your friends or neighbours. Everyone has their own story to tell and everybody’s situation and experiences are very different – and not always reliable.
  
  
• Don’t rely on what you read or printed off from the internet.  Use the Internet wisely; use it to find some of the resources mentioned above and try not to Google what do I do in court
  

Kelly R. Stewart

Kelly is a Partner with Rowanoak Law Office LLP