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During the Hearing

Printable Flash Cards

Quick courtroom reminders pulled from the full guide so you can review the essentials fast and print a cleaner hearing-day copy.

Arrival

What should I do before my case is called?

Remember

  • Arrive about 30 minutes early, or join a virtual hearing about 15 minutes early.
  • Check in if required, silence your phone, and keep your papers ready to hand over.
  • Watch earlier cases if you can so you understand the judge's pace and tone.

Call of the case

What happens when the judge calls my case?

Remember

  • Step forward or unmute and clearly state your name.
  • Expect the plaintiff to usually speak first, but the judge may interrupt with questions at any time.
  • Do not argue with the other side while the judge is setting the hearing order.

Opening

What is the shortest useful version of my story?

Remember

  • Say what happened, why the other side is responsible, and the exact amount or ruling you want.
  • Lead with dates, dollars, and your strongest proof.
  • Assume the court may only give you a few focused minutes.

Evidence

How do I show proof without losing the judge?

Remember

  • Bring all evidence and witnesses with you. Do not assume you can add them later.
  • Carry at least three copies of each document: judge, other side, and you.
  • Move through exhibits in order and explain why each one matters before moving on.

Judge's questions

How should I answer the judge under pressure?

Remember

  • If the judge asks for yes or no, answer that first.
  • Stop and respond directly when the judge interrupts or changes topics.
  • If you do not know, say so instead of guessing.

Other side

How do I correct a false or incomplete statement?

Remember

  • Take notes while the other side speaks instead of interrupting.
  • Wait for your turn, then point back to the exhibit or witness that fixes the issue.
  • Keep the correction factual and tied to the record.

Witnesses and video

What changes with witnesses or a virtual hearing?

Remember

  • Ask witnesses only about what they personally saw, heard, or recorded.
  • For virtual court, use a quiet room, a stable camera angle, and mute when not speaking.
  • Keep the court's phone number nearby so you can report connection problems right away.

Ending

How does the hearing usually end?

Remember

  • Restate the amount or order you want before the judge finishes.
  • Write down any dates, instructions, costs, or follow-up steps immediately.
  • Confirm whether the ruling is given in court or mailed later.

Courtroom phrases

Use these to stay organized out loud

You do not need to memorize every word. These are structure cues for the moments when you need a clean sentence fast.

Opening

Your Honor, this case is about [brief issue]. On [date], [what happened]. I am asking for $[amount] based on [contract, damage, unpaid work, deposit, or other basis].

Introducing proof

Your Honor, I would like to show Exhibit A. It is the [contract, invoice, receipt, photo set, or message] that supports this point.

Correcting the record

Your Honor, I want to respond to that statement. The document dated [date] shows something different.

Closing

Based on the testimony and the exhibits, I am asking the court to award $[amount] plus allowable costs.

Print this pack and keep it on top of your folder. It is a fast review tool, not a replacement for checking your hearing notice, your exhibits, or your local court's rules.