Discussion:
Courtroom Etiquette and Potential Breaches
Adhering to courtroom etiquette is not only a civility, but also a requirement of proper courtroom behaviour. As a forensic psychology professional working in the courts, you must be mindful of professional etiquette as well as courtroom-specific etiquette. Breaches of professional etiquette are problematic, but breaches of courtroom etiquette can have more serious, though unintended, consequences. In addition to courtroom etiquette, there are common courtesies that you are expected to follow in order to best serve as a professional in the courts. For example, as a forensic psychology professional, you are familiar with the terminology and principles of the profession, but others in the courtroom, such as the judge, jury, or lawyers, may need to hear your testimony in lay terms; otherwise, they may think of you as arrogant instead of knowledgeable.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Review the article "Bushido in the Courtroom: A Case for Virtue-Oriented Lawyering," and focus on the virtues that courtroom etiquette are based on. Review the article "Procedural Default: A De Facto Exception to Civility?" Consider the forms of etiquette expected in a courtroom and the possible consequences of breaching that etiquette.
Provide a description of the two breaches of courtroom etiquette you selected and explain the possible consequences of each of the breaches of etiquette. Be specific.