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HomeCourts'No laughing at witnesses or snickering': Courtroom conduct warning during Paul Arnold...

‘No laughing at witnesses or snickering’: Courtroom conduct warning during Paul Arnold DV hearing. Judge says people may be asked to leave.

The conduct of people attending Paul Arnold's hearing on DV-related charges has been placed in the spotlight, on day seven of the hearing before Judge Austin at Darwin local court.

She shared: "I don't want people talking while the witnesses are giving evidence. And I don't want people reacting in a particular way.

"It's really important that everybody understands that when witnesses are giving evidence, that they are doing it on oath, and in relation to a summons.

"I can see everything up here. I can see smiling or laughing, or you're reacting with a particular personal view to what the witness says.

"I'm not going to call anybody out, but it's so important that you don't do that.

"Because the witness is here under a summons. It's a command to come to court. They can't pick and choose whether they're going to tell their story or their version of events under oath, or affirmation.

"So if people react in a particular way, and I'm of the view it's inappropriate, I'll ask them to leave the courtroom.

"So no laughing at witnesses. Or snickering. Or anything like that. If you are guilty of that, you will know what I'm talking about.

"That's a usual and appropriate thing for a judge to say in a proceeding.

"I've held my tongue until now, but I'm not going to continue to do it."

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