Protocol in the Israeli Court

The first "protocol" or "Pratikol" regards how to behave in court:

Attending Court is not a social function, but a serious occasion! Sometimes it can even be a "traumatic" experience. Young children should not accompany you and the less people you bring with you the better.

The security is very tight and it is only getting worse. Needless to say, weapons of any description, illegal drugs (or anything that resembles drugs) and alcohol are absolutely forbidden inside Court premises. Helmets are not permitted in the building!

In the Supreme Court (Jerusalem) the rules are even stricter. Take it easy and do as the security personnel tells you or you can be restricted from entering the building.

Israel is indeed unique and the "manners protocol" is very flexible. Too flexible!

What about bowing? You should bow upon entering, and leaving a Court when it is in session, as a mark of respect but we see it very seldom. Even lawyers don`t do it (like me).

Not every proceeding is open to the public and unless you are authorized by law to be present, you are not allowed inside. Please refrain from trying to enter the room and disturbing the proceeding.

You must show respect to the judicial officer at all times. A male Judge is addressed as "Your Honor” or in Hebrew "Adoni Hashofet" or Kevodo" and a female as "Your Honor" or in Hebrew "Gvirti or Kevoda".

Loud talking or whispering whilst court is in session is totally unacceptable but somehow even lawyers seem to do this in court. Depending on the Judge, you may find yourself "out of the court room very fast".

Mobile phones and pagers must be turned "off" before entering Court premises; please remember "off" and not "silent or rotate".

Photographic and listening devices are not permitted inside Court premises and this includes all of the different devices! Don`t try to be smart because the "list" is an open list where the Judge decides what he thinks is not proper and not you.

Timing:

Never arrive to Court late. To make sure you are on time, plan your arrival in advance, allowing yourself extra time for public transportation delays, or traffic problems. Aim to arrive at least fifteen minutes before your listed court appearance.

When travelling to Court by private vehicle, always make sure you have cash to pay the parking (which is expensive) and plan to arrive early because parking is always a problem near the court buildings.

How to dress:

If required to attend Court, whether as a plaintiff, defendant, or witness, you should dress appropriately for such an occasion. There is no "written" code but Judges do pay attention to these details. Work uniforms should be avoided. Shorts, thongs, sandals, and short dresses are not recommended.

A word of wisdom:

Court rooms in Israel resemble everything except a court room. Remember that the decision made in that room is also influenced by your behavior, by your self-control, but also by what kind of impression you make that day in court.

The first moments when you stand up in court, the first words you say and how you say them will stay in the Judges mind during the entire case. Choose your words carefully and behave in the most outstanding way you can.

First impressions take just a few seconds to make, but to change them could take a very long time. You don`t have that time and you cannot afford it.

Remember what our sages say: "Hachaim Ve`Hamavet Biyad Halashon" - Life and Death is determined by your tongue (speech).

Sincerely,
 

Tzvi Szajnbrum, Attorney at Law