Unfortunately, we're still a society very much obsessed with looks. The same goes for the courtroom. How you look, speak, and act inside the courtroom will say a lot about your mental attitude and your personality. People, including "impartial" judges and attorney, will judge you. Some, like the attorneys and judges, will dismiss your appearance. Others, such as members of the jury, may linger on your appearance.
When you appear for your hearing or trial, the first rule is respect the court. You should dress appropriately for the type of environment you're in. While you don't have to wear a suit and tie, you should find a nice button-down shirt, and some slacks. It's important to show that you respect the court and you respect the parties involved. Also, while it's not particularly necessary to remind most people, good hygiene is extremely important. Please, for the sake of everyone, brush your teeth, comb your hair, and take a shower.
Most courtrooms are the same. The "bench" is up in front, usually in an elevated place. There's a jury box somewhere either on the left or right side of the judge, along with a place for the court's bailiff, court reporter, and witnesses to sit.
Your attorney will likely sit in front of "the bar" at either the plaintiff's or defendant's table. If you're attending a hearing, other attorneys may sit at the same table or in the audience seats.
When the judge enters the room, you should stand until you're told to sit.
If you're at court for a hearing, the judge will start calling the docket. This is a simple process where the judge reads the names of the parties from a the docket sheet, and the parties announce their presence. If you're represented by an attorney, your attorney will announce for you. If you're representing yourself, it's important that you stand up, and announce your presence in the manner that the judge tells you.
Following the docket call, the judge then calls the individual cases for hearing. In most cases, the judge calls the oldest cases (ones on file the longest) first, and works his/her way forward. Sometimes, even though you have an old case, the judge may skip you for a while because of the issues involved in your case. He/she may opt to handle "easier" cases, and return to yours. Don't get discouraged or annoyed. The judge wants to hear your case with the fewest distractions.
When it's your turn, and depending on the type of hearing, your attorney may ask you to come to the bench. You should follow your attorney's directions, approach the bench and stand next to your attorney.
At the bench, or whenever you're speaking with the judge, it's important that you speak loudly and clearly. Sometimes people, and attorneys, can get nervous, scared, or anxious when they're asked questions about the case. Don't worry, everyone wants to get the information and head home. You'll make a greater impact on the judge if you speak clearly and loud enough to hear.
Often, and because attorneys like to hear themselves speak, because your attorney knows the case law, he/she will have some comments to make about the case. Stand or sit quietly and listen to the comments. If you need to add anything or clarify your attorney's statements, whisper the information to your attorney, and wait for his/her cue.
When the judge decides he/she has enough information, he/she will make a ruling. You should listen carefully to the judge's ruling, or ask your attorney to explain the outcome.
At the end of the events, you should thank the judge for his/her time, and follow your attorney out of the courtroom or back to your seat.
If you're in a trial, you'll have a combination of many different events or small hearings. Always be respectful to the judge and jury.