QUICK NOTE
Justice courts are run locally. That means rules can change from county to county — and sometimes from judge to judge on the same day. Always check with the clerk for the exact rules for your court. This page explains common rules you’ll see in Mississippi justice courts and what the important words mean.
COMMON COURT ROOM RULES
Courts are different.
Some courts are strict, some are more relaxed. Always assume your county’s court might have its own rule sheet. If possible, call the clerk before you go.
Phones and electronics
Many justice courts limit phones in the courtroom. Some ban phones completely (even if turned off). Others allow phones set to silent but may fine you if the phone rings or makes noise. If your court bans phones, bring printed copies of any evidence you plan to use (photos, receipts, messages). Example: some county rules state “NO cell phones ALLOWED IN COURTROOM.”
Bring printed evidence
Because phones aren’t always allowed and not every judge will look at a phone or email, print your photos, receipts, messages, or documents and organize them in order. Have copies for the judge and the other side if you can.
How people enter the courtroom
Some courts call people up one at a time; others call roll (read names) at the start and then hear many cases. If your court calls roll and you are not there or don’t answer when your name is called, a judge may enter a judgment that day — even if you come later. So be on time.
Only one defendant at a time (sometimes)
Some courts only allow one defendant to approach the bench or speak at a time. Other courts will hear multiple defendants in the same session. If multiple cases are heard together, listen — you might learn something helpful for your own case.
Saying you “agree” to the amount
A judge may ask whether you agree with the amount the plaintiff (person suing) is asking for. If you say “yes,” the judge might accept that and the case may end without a trial. If you disagree or are unsure, do not say you agree — say you disagree or want to tell your side.
Swearing/affirmation
Some courts swear everyone in at the beginning (promising to tell the truth). Others only swear people in when they are about to testify or when a defendant disputes the plaintiff’s claim. Either way, don’t lie — lying under oath is a crime.
Dress and behavior
Courts expect respectful dress and behavior. No loud talking, no food, and no weapons. Follow the instructions the judge or court staff give you.
If you don’t show up
If you were served with a summons and you don’t come to court, the judge may enter a “default judgment” for the other side. That means the other side could win without your side being heard. Always show up on time or file a written request (called a motion) if you can’t.
If you need more time (continuance)
You can ask the judge to delay the hearing (this is called a continuance). The judge decides whether to grant it. Be ready to explain why you need more time. The Rules of Justice Court explain how continuances and other procedures work.
PRACTICAL TIPS ( WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU GO )
Call the court clerk — ask about phone rules, whether you need copies of evidence, and what time to arrive. (Rules vary.) msjusticecourthelp.com
Bring printed copies of evidence and a short list of the facts you want to say.
Be on time — if your court calls roll, being late can be risky. courts.ms.gov
Speak clearly and only when asked — don’t interrupt.
If you need help, ask the clerk what forms to fill out or whether legal help is available. The Mississippi Center for Justice and other groups can help with housing and landlord-tenant problems. Mississippi Center for Justice
KEY TERMS
Term
Plain-Language Definition
Why It Matters
AKA (“also known as”)
Another name or spelling someone uses.
Helps identify the correct person in court documents. msjusticecourthelp.com
Adjournment
Postponing a court hearing to another time or place.
Important if you can’t attend the first date — you might need to ask for an adjournment. msjusticecourthelp.com
Affirmation
A promise to tell the truth made by someone who doesn’t take a religious oath.
Similar to being sworn in; ensures you’re under penalty of perjury. msjusticecourthelp.com
Affidavit
A written statement you swear is true.
Often used to give evidence in court when you can’t testify in person yet. msjusticecourthelp.com
Allegation
A claim made by one side in a case that something is true.
It’s the starting point — you respond to allegations when you go to court. msjusticecourthelp.com
Answer
The document a person being sued (defendant) files saying their side.
If you got sued, filing an answer may prevent a default judgment. msjusticecourthelp.com
Appeal
Asking a higher court to review the decision.
If you disagree with a judge’s decision in justice court, you may have this option. msjusticecourthelp.com
Appearance
A form filed to tell the court you’re participating or you have a lawyer.
Signals to the court you’re “in the case” and your address so notices go to you. msjusticecourthelp.com
Appellee
The party against whom an appeal is taken.
If the other side appeals, this is your role if you won in the lower court. msjusticecourthelp.com
Attorney of Record
The lawyer whose name appears officially as representing a party in the case.
Helps the court know who to contact for that side. msjusticecourthelp.com
Bench warrant
(Term from FAQs) A court order for a person’s arrest because they failed to do something required (like show up).
If you ignore a summons or court order, you might face a bench warrant. msjusticecourthelp.com+1
Civil case
A lawsuit between people or businesses (not criminal) for things like money, property, or rights.
Many justice court cases are civil. Knowing the difference helps you know what rules apply.
Criminal case
A case in which the state says someone broke the law (a crime).
In justice court, criminal cases follow special rules. msjusticecourthelp.com
Default judgment
A decision entered in favor of one side because the other side didn’t show up or respond.
You’ll want to avoid this if you’re sued and don’t appear. msjusticecourthelp.com
Defendant
The person who is being sued or accused in court.
If you got a summons, you’re probably the defendant — know your role.
Complaint
The paper filed by the person bringing the case telling what they want and why.
It’s how a case begins, and it tells you what you need to respond to.
Continue / Continuance
A request to delay a court hearing to another day.
If you’re not ready, you might ask for a continuance — judge may allow or deny. msjusticecourthelp.com
Exhibit
A piece of evidence brought to court (photo, document, receipt).
Bring printed exhibits — especially because some courts restrict electronics.
Jurisdiction
The court’s power to hear a certain case (based on location, type of case, etc.).
If the court doesn’t have jurisdiction, the case might be dismissed or moved elsewhere.
Motion
A written request to the court asking it to do something (like postpone, dismiss, correct error).
Important tool if you need the court to act on something before or during your hearing. msjusticecourthelp.com
Plaintiff
The person who starts the lawsuit by filing a complaint.
If someone is suing you, they’re the plaintiff.
Pleading
A document filed with the court (like a complaint or answer) that states one side’s position.
These set out the legal framework of the case.
Recusal
A judge stepping aside because they have a conflict of interest.
If your judge should recuse, you’ll want to know how that works. msjusticecourthelp.com
Summons
A legal notice telling someone they must appear in court.
If you receive one, this is your “you must go to court” paper.
Trial
A hearing where evidence is presented and a judge (or jury) decides the case.
If you don’t agree to the plaintiff’s amount, you may go to trial.
Verdict
The decision made by a jury (or judge) after trial.
In justice court civil cases, sometimes a judge makes the decision, not a jury.
Witness
Someone who sees or knows something important for the case and can testify (or give sworn statements).
If you have a witness, you’ll want them to show up and know when and where.