What to expect in the courtroom
On your court date, you will not be expected to know all of the courtroom formalities. You will get assistance on what to do during the case. For example:
- If you are unsure where to sit ask the Court Registrar.
- The Judge will give you guidance on when you can speak. If you need to ask anything raise your hand.
- If someone is interrupting the hearing, it is normal for the Judge to tell them that they will get a chance to speak at a later stage.
Please see more information on what to expect in the courtroom below.
Things you should know when attending court
- If you have a solicitor, they will speak to the court on your behalf.
- Dress appropriately for a formal environment.
- Stand when the Judge or County Registrar enters and leaves the courtroom.
- Address the Judge as 'Judge' or County Registrar as 'County Registrar'.
- Stand when speaking to the court.
- Turn your mobile phone off or put it on silent.
- Take notes if necessary.
- You can bring a friend or family member for support.
- If you are giving oral evidence, you must swear to tell the truth.
Things you should not do when attending court
- Disturb others in the courtroom.
- Use, take pictures or record on any mobile/electronic devices.
- Eat food or chew gum.
- Interrupt others when addressing the court.
How to find your courtroom
When you enter the courthouse there are usually signs or screens that will direct you to the correct courtroom. If you are unsure of where to go, please ask at the office counter which courtroom you should go to for your court case.
What happens in court
- Civil hearings are generally held in public. At the beginning of each court day the case list is called out to determine if cases are ready to proceed. This is known as a 'callover' of the list. You should be present for this.
- After the callover, the order in which the cases are going to be heard will be called out by the Judge or the Court Registrar. You may wait for your case in the courtroom unless you are told otherwise.
- If you wait outside the courtroom, please remain close by as you may be called into court very quickly.
- Court sittings may not always run on time and they are not always heard in the order in which they are listed. Please be prepared to wait until your case is called.