1. Courtroom Visit

2. May 9th – 7:30 Airport style security check
You will be searched before entering the courthouse and sometimes before entering a particular courtroom
Metal detectors and x-ray scanners at the entrance and court security officers may ask you to search your belongings, briefcase, backpacks and purses
Do not bring unnecessary backpacks or bags
No knives or anything considered a weapon – confiscated and you may be denied entry into the courthouse

3. Around the courthouse Travel in small groups
Be considerate and respectful of others and talk quietly in the lobby, the hallways and the cafeteria
Do not comment on anything you have seen or heard in court – there are family members, friends, witnesses and other people closely connected to the proceedings throughout the courthouse
Exit through the revolving doors one person at a time – more than that will cause the doors to jam

4. In the Courtroom General court sits are from 10 am – 4:30 pm
Breaks at 11:30 + 3:30
They break for Lunch from 1-2:15
When entering, find a seat in the gallery in a quiet and orderly manner- standing is not permitted
Remain silent during the proceedings – if you eat, drink, or speak to someone, step outside the courtroom
Sit still and upright – do not sleep, slouch, or lean on the bench in front of you
Draping coats or anything else over the benches is not permitted

5. When the judge enters or exits the courtroom, rise and remain standing until the registrar invites you to be seated
Try to leave during a natural break in the proceedings (witness change or recess) – people entering and exiting the courtroom is distracting
Do not leave while the judge is speaking
Sometimes a judge will order that no one can leave until the recess – the court services officer at the door will advise if this is the case
If there is a jury, they will exit the courtroom before the judge, you must stand as they enter or exist
Be patient when leaving at a recess – the jury and the judge must leave first
NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES (including gum)
Hats or headwear are not permitted except for religious reasons.

6. Signs
Witnesses Excluded by Judge’s Order: you may enter – this means that witnesses who are waiting to testify cannot come in
Publication restrictions in effect by order of the court: you may enter – this means it is against the law to publish any information identifying specific people involved in the trial
Courtroom sealed by judge’s order: YOU MAY NOT ENTER – this means that this court is not in session – it only applies when a court is not sitting

7. Cell phones and electronic devices 
Please ensure that these devices are switched off before entering a courtroom
Members of the public are not permitted to use electronic devices in the courtroom unless the presiding judge orders otherwise

8. When you enter and exit the courtroom, it is customary to acknowledge respect for the laws of the land, the court and its judiciary. This is simply a matter of pausing briefly at the door and bowing your head towards the Coat of Arms located behind the Judicial Officer. When a judge enters or leaves the courtroom, it is customary to stand and bow and remain standing until the Judicial Officer has departed. You should stand whenever the Judge is talking to you

9. Prepare questions for the judges

10. Visit: www.ontariocourtdates.ca
If you want to see the list of next day’s information (after 4:30)