Why do lawyers say if it please the court?

It is often said that May it please the Court is an obligatory phrase at the outset of an oral argument—and that any other opener suggests the oral advocate is unknowledgeable or inexperienced. So the phrase seems to have been current among advocates in the early 17th century.

How does a lawyer address the judge?

‘Your Honour’ and ‘Hon’ble Court’ can be used to address judges in high courts and the Supreme Court. Sir or Madam in subordinate courts and tribunals.

What does as the court pleases mean?

5.5 When appearing in Court to note a judgment, do not place yourself on record when the matter is called. All that is necessary is to stand up and say “As the Court pleases” after the judgment is handed down.

Do lawyers really say may it please the court?

The general consensus was summed up by Ninth Circuit judge Susan Graber: “Its absence is always more notable than its presence, so I prefer lawyers saying May it please the Court.” Though the phrase is “totally pointless,” it’s also “largely harmless, so it’s a good way to get started,” added Ninth Circuit Chief Judge …

How do you address a judge before court?

you should introduce them as “Justice …” and you should refer to them in conversation as “judge.” In written form they should be referred to as “The Honourable Justice …” and any correspondence should be addressed to Dear Judge – unless they’re a Chief Justice in which case it would be Dear Chief Justice.

How do you address a high court judge?

In court, a High Court judge is referred to as My Lord or Your Lordship if male, or as My Lady or Your Ladyship if female.

When to use if it pleases the court?

“If it pleases the court” means you are showing respect or deference to the court and the judge. If the judge says “the court is not pleased” it means the judge (“the court”) is not happy with the attitude, the manner of behavior, etc., to who he is speaking.

Do judges read motions?

If the motion is presented by order to show cause, then chances are bright that the judge would read the moving papers when filed. Otherwise, it depends entirely on the judge and on the law clerk.

Do you need to say may it please the court?

(Remember, every time you stand up to address the court, you must say, “May it please the court….”) If you decide to use it, use it only to rebut points made by Appellee during his argument. Respond only to especially damaging arguments made by opposing counsel. Do not respond merely for the sake of responding.

What happens if you talk over the judge in court?

Talking over the judge is a sign of deep disrespect. Even when the judge is mistaken, keep quiet until he or she finishes and then ask permission to speak. If you’re the kind of person who tends to interrupt people when they talk, practice better listening skills before your court appearance.

What to do if the judge is wrong?

Even when the judge is mistaken, keep quiet until he or she finishes and then ask permission to speak. If you’re the kind of person who tends to interrupt people when they talk, practice better listening skills before your court appearance. 5. DO keep your voice up and watch your language.

Do I need an attorney to go before a judge?

Every judge runs his or her courtroom differently, but here are some general suggestions that will serve you well any time you go before a judge, whether you have an attorney or not. 1. DO wear neat, clean clothes to court. Think “business casual.” Take off your hat, take off your sunglasses, turn off your cellphone.

How do you address a court official?

For those officials, you may use their title (“Ms. Clerk”) or their title and their name (“Clerk Wagner”). Again, if you’re unsure how to address the court official, watch what others in front of you do, or just ask. 4. DON’T ever talk over the judge. Ever. Talking over the judge is a sign of deep disrespect.