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Court can be a scary place: Court Proceedings

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Published by:

Abigail Moses

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Reviewed by:

Alistair Vigier

Last Modified: 2023-09-15

The court can be a scary place. This story was submitted to us by a law student about their first time going to court. They asked if we would not share their name.

Know that the court is not a friendly place. Secondly, the system is not designed to provide you with legal advice. Lawyers are the only ones that can provide legal advice. Courts are very busy and have limited time to explain forms to you.

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Courts Can Be Scary

I attended the Toronto courthouse at 361 University Ave. I went to the area for minor offences hoping to identify professional dominance. The first thing I noticed walking up the steps to the courthouse was the building towering above and a lot of cold concrete.

Walking through the door I saw sheriffs, lawyers, students, and a lot of administration booths.

After identifying myself as a student to security, I was directed to a wall displaying a lot of notices about the times and room numbers where a case would be heard. I attended a court and sat down on one of the 5 wood rows.

Law Student Story

I watched as the defendant was brought into a plastic cage by two sheriffs and then was locked in the cage.

The Judge came in wearing a strange gown and wig, looking very powerful and intimidating. We were all told to stand with the words “Will the court please rise?” The tone of voice didn’t make sound like we had an option.

It looked like a setting for a play with the judge being the protagonist and the defendant being the antagonist.

Understanding the Basics: What to Expect in Court Proceedings

The entrances and exits were carefully controlled. The lawyers fill the roles of supporting actors. It seemed that everyone knew the lines and the role they had to play in the courtroom except for the defendant who seemed scared and confused.

The words that the defendant’s lawyer and the prosecution used were very intimidating, sometimes confusing the defendant.

The defendant was then sentenced to seven months in prison for selling heroin and was collected by the sheriffs again and taken out of the courtroom.

The court can be a scary place

We were told to leave the room for a lunch break by the guards. I saw people crying and talking in the halls. I went to a lot of different courtrooms and in all of them, the judge was a white male. It did not seem like a happy place and fear and sorrow filled the air.

The presence of police, lawyers, judges, criminals and security really made it an interesting and scary experience. It was not hard to identify signs of professional dominance at the courthouse.

The people who worked there were clearly in control of every aspect of the procedures there, from the locations, times and settings to the legal jargon and disconcerting formality.

Why is it scary to go to court?

Going to court can be a frightening experience for many people. It often conjures up images of a formal, intimidating atmosphere where legal procedures and jargon are commonplace.

The fear of the unknown and the feeling of being out of one’s depth can be overwhelming. The legal system can be complex and confusing, leaving individuals feeling powerless and unsure of their rights and what to expect. The possibility of a negative outcome, such as a sentence, fine or losing a case, only adds to the anxiety.

Another factor that can contribute to the fear of court is the nature of the proceedings themselves. Court cases often involve sensitive and personal issues, such as divorce, custody battles, or criminal charges.

This can bring up feelings of vulnerability and expose individuals to scrutiny and judgment from a judge, jury, or the public. It can also result in a sense of shame or stigma, particularly in criminal cases.

The adversarial nature of court proceedings can heighten emotions and tensions, making the experience even more intimidating. The presence of lawyers, who are trained to advocate for their clients, can create an atmosphere of conflict and competition.

The formality of court proceedings and the rigid rules of evidence and procedure can also make it difficult for individuals to present their cases effectively, leading to feelings of frustration and helplessness.

The court can be a scary place for many individuals due to a combination of factors, including the complexity of the legal system, the emotional nature of court proceedings, and the adversarial atmosphere of the courtroom. It is important to seek support and guidance from legal professionals to help navigate the court process and reduce the fear and anxiety associated with it.

Moral Character

Courts decide on the ” moral character” of a juvenile offender by considering the presentation of the defence and the crown and the protective strategies offered by the juvenile.

Typifications, or common-sense knowledge of social structures, play a vital role in the work of the courts. This helps them establish reasons for the juvenile’s behaviour and to justify whatever actions the courts decide to take.

The courts know the defendant is regarded as “trouble” by someone. Further, the court wishes to ascertain the potential for the defendant to commit serious crimes in the future.

The offence being discussed helps to typify the “trouble, but the courts also want to take into consideration information about the “type” of the offender before them -his or her family, employment background, demeanour, past behaviour, and personality.

Firstly, the lawyers use pitches and denunciations as character presentations.

Pitches present a positive impression of the youth, explaining that the act was typical of a normal actor, aiming to obtain a more lenient disposition.

Secondly, denunciations aim to blacken the juvenile’s character, establishing that the act was typical of juveniles with criminal-like characters.

The juvenile has a chance to plead his case too, using one of three strategies

  1. making excuses
  2. Using justifications
  3. Pleading innocent

These accounts are important as the court’s verdict and judge’s sentence, if applicable, will be based on the success of the strategy chosen. The moral characters presented by the lawyers are also considered.

The courts consider the three categories of moral character, the normal, the”disturbed” and the “hardcore ” to help them justify their decision on how to deal with the delinquent.

A “disturbed characterization justifies psychiatric care, “a criminal” characterization justifies punishment, probably prison time, and a normal characterization provides justification for routine handling, like probation.

Court Can Be A Scary Place

All these experiences show me why people hire lawyers in the first place. What a terrible place to be.

For those that have to file forms, you can expect to have multiple rejections.

Therefore, make sure to research online how to file forms before showing up. If you don’t fill out the right forms, the opposing party might be entitled to costs. Also, you might have your motion thrown out if you do it wrong.

Therefore, do your research before filing something and speak to a lawyer.

What should you do if you feel nervous in court?

Going to court can be an intimidating experience, and it’s understandable to feel nervous when facing the prospect of appearing before a judge and possibly being judged by a jury. If you’re feeling scared, there are several steps you can take to help calm your nerves and increase your confidence.

It’s important to educate yourself on the legal process and the role of the court. This will help you understand what’s expected of you and what you can expect in return. Knowing your rights, such as the right to remain silent, can also help you feel more in control of the situation.

Preparation is key. Familiarize yourself with the case, the evidence, and the laws involved. This will help you feel confident when answering questions and presenting your case. If you have a lawyer, consult with them about the case and get their advice on what you can do to help prepare.

A Step-by-Step Walkthrough: From Summons to Verdict

Take care of your physical and emotional well-being before the court date. This might involve getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in physical activity to help you feel relaxed and confident. It’s also important to seek support from friends and family.

Remember that you are not alone in feeling nervous. Many people feel scared when they have to appear in court, and it’s perfectly normal to feel this way.

By taking these steps, you can help reduce your anxiety and increase your confidence, so that you can present your case with clarity and conviction.

In conclusion, the court can be a scary place. Hopefully, you won’t have to find out!

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