Silence, respect, discipline: What really happens behind courtroom doors

ONE way or another, anyone can find themselves inside a courtroom — as an accused person, a complainant, or simply a concerned relative. But how many truly understand what happens behind those doors?

For many, the courtroom remains a place of mystery, governed by strict rules, quiet authority and consequences that can be immediate and severe.

From my experience as a court reporter, a courtroom is a structured space anchored by key players: the magistrate, who presides over proceedings and delivers judgment; the prosecutor, who represents the State; the interpreter — often referred to as the “mouthpiece” of the court; prison officers; and of course, the accused persons.

Even before stepping inside, the tone is set. Security personnel enforce a strict dress code. For men, formal attire — trousers and collared shirts — is mandatory, while jeans, T shirts, caps, hats and open shoes are prohibited. Women are expected to dress modestly in clothing that is not revealing.

Those who fail to meet the standard may be turned away or provided with a wrapper before being allowed to take a seat in the courtroom.

Members of the public, commonly referred to as the gallery, wait outside on benches until proceedings begin. They are instructed to switch off their mobile phones or put them on silent to avoid disrupting court sessions.

Failure to follow this rule can carry serious consequences.
Last week at West Commonage Court in Bulawayo, proceedings were abruptly interrupted when a woman’s phone rang mid-session. As a police officer attempted to escort her outside, the magistrate intervened, asking why the device had not been switched off. Despite her explanation that she was in the process of doing so, the magistrate ordered her detention in the holding cells until 4PM — the end of the court day.

The incident occurred around 10AM.
Inside the courtroom, discipline is absolute. No one speaks unless called upon. When the magistrate enters, everyone must rise and bow their heads as a sign of respect. Only after the magistrate is seated does the court follow suit. The same gesture is expected when entering the courtroom, whether or not the magistrate is present.

Proceedings follow a clear structure. The prosecutor calls out the name of the accused, who then steps into the dock. The interpreter establishes the accused’s preferred language to ensure full understanding, as many struggle to express themselves in English.

Before charges are read, the accused is informed of their right to legal representation — though this is at their own cost. Witnesses remain outside until they are called to testify, ensuring they are not influenced by prior evidence. After giving their testimony, they may be questioned by the accused but are not permitted to ask questions themselves.

Strict decorum is maintained throughout. Eating or chewing gum is prohibited, though drinking water is allowed. Court sessions typically run from 8:30AM to 4PM, with a lunch adjournment around 2:15PM.

Some accused persons are brought in under guard — often those denied bail or who failed to meet bail conditions. Others may be re-arrested for violating bail terms, resulting in cancellation and a return to custody.

Bulawayo-based lawyer Mr Tanaka Muganyi described the courtroom as a “hall of justice” that demands the utmost respect.

“At the courtroom, there are basic rules that everyone should adhere to, from dressing, switching off cellphones and maintaining total silence during proceedings. During a session, everyone needs to concentrate. Therefore, cellphones should be switched off. There should be no distractions,” he said.

Mr Muganyi said the law empowers magistrates to act immediately against misconduct.

“A magistrate has the authority to detain or fine anyone who causes disruptions, whether it is a ringing phone, improper dressing or even laughing. One can be detained for the duration of the court session, not just for a particular case. People in the gallery must be well-behaved and show respect to the justice system. We have seen people detained for failing to do so,” he said.

Ultimately, the courtroom is not just a place where cases are heard — it is a disciplined environment where respect, order and the rule of law take precedence.
Understanding how it operates may not keep one out of trouble, but it certainly helps ensure that, if you ever find yourself there, you know exactly what is expected.