Observing a trial

[takeontheworld]

I took a day off of work to sit in and observe day one of a trial. It was very informative and heart wrenching. The applicant father had me in tears. His lawyer was speaking with me during a break. Giving me tips of how best to present your opening statement. She had everything in point by point facts. I was under the impression that it should be more along the lines of...say what youre going to prove, how then say it again type thing. Any thoughts? Her way was very easy to follow.

[arabian]

I am surprised that you were allowed to sit in on a family court trial.

[takeontheworld]

They are open to the public. The applicants lawyer did approach me and ask who I was. I told her my purpose and was more than helpful.

[arabian]

I know many of my family court matters are not open to public and in one instance ex's g/f was not allowed in.

[takeontheworld]

Dunno what to tell you but in Ontario, trials are open.

[annapurna66]

Yes...if you had time..that would be awesome. I asked to observe a long motion at the courthouse. I was told that motions (and trials) are open to the public. I was told to speak to the trial co-ordinator about dates of motion/trial, arrive before it starts, get permission from the court officer, and once consented by the parties...you are good to go.

[WorkingDAD]

I am surprised that you were allowed to sit in on a family court trial.

I am surprised that being here since 2011, having more than 3k posts you surprised by the fact what was discussed numerous numerous numerous times here.

Yes court is public and open to everyone unless it child protection case.

WD

[dad2bandm]

Really, it's up to the judge. I'm in Ontario. I've sat in a couple of times. Once I was told I must leave by judge. Likely children were involved...was it a protection case? Don't know. I as stranger would not ask.

[WorkingDAD]

Really, it's up to the judge. I'm in Ontario. I've sat in a couple of times. Once I was told I must leave by judge. Likely children were involved...was it a protection case? Don't know. I as stranger would not ask.

you don't need to ask - just look on the list - it all there. Yes it is ultimately up to the judge but it also depends on how badly you want to sit there and are you willing to challenge judge on his request

wd

[nosuchluck]

I'm a self-rep. I spent many days sitting in motions and trials. It was the best best thing I did for myself. I learned a lot about proceedure, what presentation where most effective, I also got a lot of feedback from lawyers. Most advantageous was knowing judges styles.
When I went to my first motion I knew exactly what my judge tolerated and what he did not. What information seemed to matter and what didn't from my observations. I focussed on that and I had good results.