Courtroom rules

Courts are very formal places and there are strict rules. Everyone in court—including witnesses, defendants and members of the public—must follow the court’s rules.

If you don’t, you can be found in contempt of court. You may be told to leave the court and in extreme cases—for example if you disrupt the trial—the judge could fine you or send you to jail.

Court rules for everyone

When you go to court—particularly if you are appearing in court as a witness or defendant—you should show respect for the court by dressing neatly (although you don’t have to wear a suit). In court:

• turn off your mobile phone
• don’t eat, drink or chew gum—courthouses will have an area outside the courtroom where you can eat
• don’t smoke in the courthouse
• sit quietly—don’t talk, comment or make noise if you are watching from the public gallery
• don’t make an audio or visual recording of proceedings
• don’t broadcast the trial in any way
• don’t speak to jurors if it is a jury trial.

Respecting the judge or magistrate

The judge or magistrate is in charge of the court. They should be shown respect by everyone in the courtroom.

You should:

• stand whenever the magistrate or judge enters or leaves the courtroom—the depositions clerk or bailiff will call ‘all rise’
• bow your head to acknowledge the magistrate or judge every time they enter or leave the courtroom
• call the magistrate or judge ‘Your Honour’.

Witnesses

You should wait outside the courtroom until you are called to give evidence. You shouldn’t talk to other witnesses about the case before you and they have given evidence.

Defendants

As a defendant it is very important that you show respect for the court and the judge. In the courtroom, you should stand whenever the judge or magistrate speaks to you.

Jurors

Jurors are not allowed mobile phones in the court or jury room, even if it is turned off. If you have a mobile with you must give it to the Bailiff before entering the court or jury room each day.