In the courtroom
Courtroom etiquette is the code that governs the conduct of persons in the courtroom.
Please keep in mind that the courthouse is a very traditional, formal place that demands a respectful, sensitive, and serious attitude.
There are informal rules regarding the behaviour of people watching/observing court proceedings. For further information, see The Courtwatcher's Manual by J. Blackwell.
Information on proper etiquette for people going to trial can be found in the following publications:
Chapter 5, section 1.1. of An Advocacy Primer provides a brief overview of "Courtroom Courtesies", such as how to address the various participants in a trial, when and where to stand, when to bow, etc. The Justice Education Society also has several pages detailing proper behaviour for presenting and appearing in court.
In the virtual courtroom
A remote hearing is still considered a court hearing and the majority of the procedures and etiquette of the in-person hearing should be maintained.
Some of the general requirements are listed below with detailed directions available in Administrative Notice 18 from the Supreme Court of British Columbia and Notice 21 from the Provincial Court of British Columbia.
- Participants are not required to stand when court commences, ends or when addressing the court.
- Participants are not required to bow during the proceeding.
- Do not eat or drink anything except water during the proceeding.
- You are not permitted to audio, video record, photograph or screenshot any part of the remote proceeding.
- Find a quiet, well-lit and private space to attend the hearing
- Information about gowning requirements in Supreme Court is found in Practice Direction 67. For Provincial Court counsel are expected to wear business attire and all other parties should dress as though attending court in person.
- Say your name and identify yourself when you speak and mute your microphone when you’re not speaking.
Content reviewed September 9, 2025
- The courtwatcher's manual – onsite at Courthouse Libraries
- An advocacy primer – Available onsite at Courthouse Libraries
- Courtroom Procedures, Conduct and Customs – Provincial Court of British Columbia
- Administrative Notice 18, General Requirements for Microsoft Teams Video Hearings – Supreme Court of British Columbia
- Notice 21, Remote Attendance in the Provincial Court – Provincial Court of British Columbia
- 15.6 Best Practices: Virtual Arbitration and Mediation, Commercial Leasing: Annotated Precedents – Available onsite at Courthouse Libraries
- Practice Direction 67, Gowning Policy for Counsel – BC Supreme Court