A vampire court is an event where the Prince and/or high ranking officers of the Domain make themselves available for an audience with their subjects. During courts, residents may petition official requests (such as permission to Sire, being granted territory or applying for a position) Most of the time official announced courts are initiated for the purpose of a particular announcement or hearing. Transgressors are often judged and punished during court.
More often than not, courts tend to be very formal occasions. It is the physical and public manifestation of everything the Prince's/Officer's rank stands for. As a result, during court most vampires are as formal and respectful as possible to the officers in charge.