A blind date was set for you. You have heard so many horror blind date stories that you are no longer very optimistic about hitting it off with the other party, yet you do not want him or her to have anything negative to say against you. Truth is, you really want this blind date to be successful.
This may not be your first blind date, but it’s been a while since your last blind date; hence, preparations are in order. Hit or miss, you want to put your best foot forward and you are aiming for a hit. You pick clothes that will flatter your appearance and features, and you make an effort to be attractive. In front of the mirror you pretend to be having a conversation, modulating your voice, and making sure you say the right things and not turn him or her off.
The scenario above somewhat describes the preparations you will have to go through when you prepare for your court date. Why is it a blind date? You don’t know the judge, you don’t know the jury, and even though you know the opposing party or his counsel, it is the judge and the jury who will be watching you with a critical eye; they are the ones you will really have to impress more than anyone else. Unlike a typical blind date where you date just one party at a time, here, you are actually dating more than one and all at the same time.
Dos and don’ts in court are logical, just like the above scenario of preparing for a blind date. However, since court dates can be more nerve wracking than a regular appointment knowing that the consequences of a bad impression are more serious than being stricken from one’s date list for life, you know better and will prepare for this event. This rule holds true Whether you have a counsel or you are a party representing yourself before the judge.
Remember that line from the Heads & Shoulders commercial? The one that says “You never get a second chance to make a first impression…”? This is so true and what you hear about making a lasting first impression is a harsh reality, not just a cliché. Therefore, you should keep this catchy line in mind at all times as you prepare for your court date. Let’s start off with the physical preparation for your court date.
Before Going to Court.
1. Check your clothing and appearance. The importance of physical appearance is an understatement. It affects everyone’s impression of you and it can either boost or hurt your credibility. Dress like a professional and do it conservatively, the same way that other people in court would - because this is what the judge and/or the jury expects.
To be dressed professionally means you should be dressed decently for the court - no loud colors, large bracelets, rings, cufflinks, tie tacks and earrings if you’re male, as these can all be distracting for the judge and the jury. Do not wear shorts, mini skirts, sandals or flip flops. Be neat and clean, get a haircut if you must and avoid putting anything that will make it look shiny or greasy.
You are what you wear so keep in mind that political buttons, club pins, college rings, religious jewelry or any similar accessory may trigger some prejudices for or against you in the mind of a juror. To be on the safe side, you may want to avoid wearing items that may identify a personal association or belief.
If you still don’t know what to wear or how to look on your court date, find out what colors are best for you, what clothing styles look good on you and what flatter your physical appearance, and what makeup is best for you if you are a woman (but keep it minimal).
2. Review your records. Make a checklist of all the documents or evidence you have to bring to court – court pleadings (complaint, reply to complaint, motions, etc.), personal notes and reports, and evidence such as photos, video tapes of the scene, exhibits and other objects which were seized and marked by you and held as evidence, and any transcripts of your previous courtroom testimony.
The opposing counsel has the right to examine any of the documents you present in court. For this reason, your evidence, documentary or otherwise, should be in order. Label your documents and index them for quick reference. When the judge asks for a specific document, you should be able to pull it out and present it immediately, without fumbling through piles of folders that you have. This will not only save the court’s time but will also create an impression that you are well prepared and an orderly person.
Part 2 of this blog will be about the actual court date. Don’t miss this important topic.
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