Rule 36 Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners

Rule 36 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners (RPC) 2023 is about Courtroom decorum. It is under Part IV (Relations with the court) of Chapter 1 (Conduct) of the Rules. It provides as follows:

When in the courtroom, a lawyer shall —
(a) be attired in a proper and dignified manner and shall not wear any apparel or ornament calculated to attract attention to himself ;

(b) conduct himself with decency and decorum, and observe the customs, conduct and code of behaviour of the court and custom of practice at the bar with respect to appearances, dress, manners and courtesy ;

(c) rise when addressing or being addressed by the judge ;

(d) address his objections, requests, arguments, and observations to the judge and shall not engage in the exchange of banter, personality display, arguments or controversy with the opposing lawyer :

(e) not engage in undignified or discourteous conduct which is degrading to a court or tribunal ; and

(f) not remain within the Bar or wear the lawyer’s robes when conducting a case in which he ts a party or giving evidence.