Going to Court

You may be going to court because you:

If you are appearing in court you should:

remember to take any relevant documents about the case with you to court
be punctual. The court has a very busy schedule, so you must be on time for your case. If you are late, your case might be heard in your absence or a warrant might be issued for your arrest
dress appropriately - wear clean smart clothing
stand when a judge or magistrate enters or leaves the courtroom. If you are appearing as a litigant or defendant, stand when the magistrate or judge speaks to you and when you speak to them
turn off mobile phones.

If you think you will require an interpreter, please contact the court several days before the day of the proceedings.

As you enter or leave a courtroom, you should be quiet so you do not disrupt proceedings. It is customary to bow towards the bench.

Talking, smoking, eating and chewing gum is not permitted in court.

The judge or magistrate cannot speak to you about your case except when your case is being heard, and when the other party is present.

When you address the judge or magistrate, refer to them as 'Your Honour' or 'Her Honour', or 'Sir' or 'Madam'.

Address others by their titles and surnames, including lawyers, witnesses and court staff.

The court staff will help you in any way they can, but staff cannot give you legal advice.

For legal advice, contact a lawyer or Legal Aid.

Last Updated: 10-Mar-2009

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