Know your way around the courtroom before you go to court.
1 – Courtroom Clerk
The Clerk keeps track of the evidence that is and is not admitted during a trial.
2 – The Bench
Where the Judge sits whenever he or she is presiding over a legal matter.
3 – Witness Box
Where a witness sits during questioning during a legal proceeding.
4 – Court Reporter
The court reporter takes notes on everything that is said during a legal proceeding.
5 – The Well
The empty space between the attorney tables (#7 and #9) and the Bench (#2).
6 – Jury Box
The seats where a jury sits during trial.
7 – Respondent / Defendant table
The table where a respondent / defendant sits with his or her attorney during a legal proceeding.
8 – Lectern
The podium where an attorney or party may speak to the judge with the aid of a microphone (some courtrooms do not have a lectern).
9 – Petitioner / Plaintiff table
The table where a petitioner / plaintiff sit during a legal proceeding. The Bar often has a swinging door to allow attorneys and their clients into the Gallery.
10 – The Bar
The short half-wall that separates the Gallery from the attorneys.
11 – The Gallery
The benches or seats where the public may view a court proceeding.