6.4 The Duty of Courtesy

6.4.1 Discourtesy is as offensive in Court as it is outside, and is equally detrimental to the reputation of Counsel with the bench, to the interests of the client and to public confidence in the administration of justice.

6.4.2 In the examination of witnesses, and particularly in the crossexamination of hostile witnesses, an Advocate must remember that the law places him in a privileged position which he should not abuse-for example, by bullying or insulting behaviour or by making offensive or personal remarks.

6.4.3 There is a long-standing tradition of mutual trust and Courtesy between the bench and Bar which must be respected.

6.4.4 A failure to appear in Court on time should always, as a matter of courtesy, be the subject of an apology.If the Court is still sitting, and has not yet passed on to other business, the proper time to make the apology is at once on arrival in Court.The apology should be made in open Court to the bench.