What does it mean when a lawyer says may I please the court?

It is often said that May it please the Court is an obligatory phrase at the outset of an oral argument—and that any other opener suggests the oral advocate is unknowledgeable or inexperienced. Victor Hugo used the phrase in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1831)—or rather it appears in the English translation of 1834.

When to say may it please the court?

(Remember, every time you stand up to address the court, you must say, “May it please the court….”) If you decide to use it, use it only to rebut points made by Appellee during his argument. Respond only to especially damaging arguments made by opposing counsel.

What happens during an oral argument?

Oral argument is your chance to further explain to the appellate court in person the arguments that you made in your brief. You can clarify the points you made in your brief, tell the appellate court what you think is most important about your arguments, and answer questions from the appellate court judges.

Is an oral argument a hearing?

Oral arguments are spoken presentations to a judge or appellate court by a lawyer (or parties when representing themselves) of the legal reasons why they should prevail. Oral argument is not always considered an essential part of due process, as the briefs also give the parties an opportunity to be heard by the court.

Do you call Supreme Court justices Your Honor?

Others are referred to as “Justice Scalia,” “Justice Ginsburg,” or “Your Honor.” Do not use the title “Judge.” If you are in doubt about the name of a Justice who is addressing you, it is better to use “Your Honor” rather than mistakenly address the Justice by another Justice’s name.

What happens at oral argument?

What do the justices do after oral arguments?

When oral arguments are concluded, the Justices have to decide the case. They do so at what is known as the Justices’ Conference. When Court is in session, there are two conferences scheduled per week – one on Wednesday afternoon and one on Friday afternoon.

What does “May it please the court” mean?

It’s a courtesy opener, especially in a formal hearing or trial when the judge has asked the parties to state their appearances. All that means is the attorneys and the parties to the case are identified for the record. I stand up and say “May it please the Court, (my client’s name here) appears in person and by counsel, Lori Jones.”

What do judges really think about the phrase ‘may it the court?

What judges really think about the phrase ‘May it please the Court?’ Photo of Bryan A. Garner by Teri Glanger. It is often said that May it please the Court is an obligatory phrase at the outset of an oral argument—and that any other opener suggests the oral advocate is unknowledgeable or inexperienced.

What happens at the initial appearance in a criminal case?

Initial Appearance – At the initial appearance, the judge determines the defendant’s name and address, informs the defendant of the charges and of the right to remain silent and to have an attorney. The judge appoints an attorney if the defendant cannot afford one and sets the conditions for release from jail.

What does “I shall” mean in a court case?

It has no real meaning. It’s just a practical opener by the lawyer to be appear pleasant and courteous to the judge before asking, doing or presenting something — especially if the something isn’t pre-listed for presentation. The lawyer saying this is basically saying to the judge, ” If you don’t mind and have no objections, then I shall…”