Abuse in Court?

[JavaManOne]

I'm not a practicing lawyer, I have been to a prominent law school but too long ago to matter. I didn't practice law, I went into the business sector as an accountant and consultant.

I have been to court for claims and family law instances (personal in nature) in another state and a court reporter was always present or hearings were taped.

I was in Municipal Court for a hearing on a motion, which I won, but the court is really pressing the issue of both parties having attorney's. For a number of reasons (I'm the defendant) I can't presently afford an attorney.

After the hearing I was packing paperwork into my briefcase and the bailiff was the only one in the room with me and a friend. The bailiff said I should have an attorney. My response was I couldn't presently afford one.

The bailiff proceeded to tell me, "see, there you go, talking out of line". I told him I was only responding and he proceeded to tell me I was talking out of line and should learn to quit talking back. This went on until I finally got myself out of the room and courthouse four about 3 full minutes.

I have no idea what was going on and my friend said it looked like the bailiff was picking a fight or attempting to draw me into an argument.

Should I file for a change of venue?
Will this cause more problems?
How should I approach this when I go back into court?

Everything seemed fine until this incident. I'm organized, know when to speak and not speak and this fellow was completely out of line.

Suggestions please.

[ohiolandlord]

You may not be familiar with courtroom decorum or with that particular judge's style. Judges listen to people all day and generally want to get to the heart of the matter immediately. Litigants, however, want to give the "proper" background for their case. Judges generally aren't interested in the "proper" background.