Stages of the proceedings

Entrance of the judge and assistant judges

Their entrance into the courtroom is usually preceded by a bell or the usher pronouncing the words “la cour”, which tells everyone they should stand.
The public and the different officials are already in the court, but not the accused.
The presiding judge and his/her assistant judges enter by a door at the back of the courtroom, usually opposite the public entrance. When they are seated at the bench, all other protagonists, as well as the public, where the jury sits, can sit.