Upon the judge's appearance at the first session of the day, the bailiff shall formally open the court generally with one of the following forms, dependent upon the judge's preference. The judge will signal from chambers (generally by a buzzer) when they are ready to take the bench.
Upon the judge's appearance at the first session of the day, the bailiff shall formally open the court generally with one of the following forms, dependent upon the judge's preference. The judge will signal from chambers (generally by a buzzer) when they are ready to take the bench.
Long Form - OPTION 1
"Everyone rise, please (pause), in the presence of the flag of the United States, emblem of the Constitution and of freedom and justice for all, Department (?) of the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, is now in session, the honorable (insert judge’s name), judge presiding. Please be seated."
Long Form - OPTION 2
All rise (pause) and face the flag of our nation, recognizing the principles for which it stands. Department (?) of the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, is now in session, the honorable (insert judge’s name), judge presiding. Please be seated."
Short Form - OPTION 1
"Everyone rise, please (pause), Department (?) of the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles is now in session, the honorable (insert judge’s name), judge presiding. Please be seated."
Short Form - OPTION 2
"All rise (pause), Department (?) of the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles is now in session, the honorable (insert judge’s name), judge presiding. Please be seated."
Special Form
Sometimes a particular judge will direct that a variation of the standard opening form be used in court. In this case, the bailiff shall open the court with the special form so specified by the judge.
After a recess and at the start of the afternoon session, upon the appearance of the judge in the courtroom, the bailiff shall resume the session by announcing: "Remain seated and come to order, court is again in session."