Representing yourself in the Court of Appeal

Like any court, the Court of Appeal is formal and you should dress, act and speak accordingly. Your role is to try to persuade the judges that your arguments are right.

There are several things you can do that will help your case:

  • Study the appeal record book—it contains the evidence that the Court of Appeal will consider before making its decision.
  • Dress neatly and cleanly for your court appearance.
  • Be courteous and cooperative.
  • Be respectful to everyone in the court, including court staff.
  • Be on time for the appeal hearing.
  • Be prepared and ready to make your oral arguments.
  • Structure your arguments logically.
  • Speak slowly and clearly.
  • Listen carefully to the questions you are asked.
  • If you don’t understand something or don’t hear a question, politely ask the judge to repeat or rephrase what was said.
  • If you refer to a piece of evidence in the appeal record book, give the page number.
  • Stay calm.
  • Turn off any mobile phones/pagers etc. while in court. Don’t put them on silent.
  • Listen carefully to your opponent and don’t interrupt them. If you disagree with their statement of evidence or a matter of law, you will be able to reply briefly when they’re finished
  • You can provide, and the Supreme Court can seek, guidance and clarification of the correct pronunciation of your name and preferred form of address (PDF, 102.4 KB).