Court Etiquette in the ACT | What to Do & Say

What you need to know right now

In an ACT court, arrive at least 15 minutes early, dress neatly, turn your phone off, and bow or nod to the coat of arms above the bench as you enter and leave. Stand when the magistrate or judge enters or leaves the room and whenever you speak to them, and address them as 'Your Honour'. Do not interrupt, eat, chew gum, or record or photograph anything. If you are unsure of anything, ask a court officer quietly, or ask for the free duty lawyer.

Australian Capital Territory's courts and the rules of conduct

The ACT has a two-tier court system, which surprises many people because there is no District or County court here as there is in most other states. The lower court is the ACT Magistrates Court, which deals with less serious criminal charges, committal hearings, and many civil disputes. Sitting alongside it are specialist courts run by the same magistrates: the Childrens Court (for young people), the Coroners Court (which investigates deaths, fires and disasters), and the Industrial Court. Source: ACT Magistrates Court, 'About the Courts'.

Above the Magistrates Court sits the ACT Supreme Court, and above that the ACT Court of Appeal. Because there is no District court, the Supreme Court hears the serious indictable matters, such as murder and serious drug offences, that a District or County court would handle in other states, as well as appeals from the Magistrates Court. Civil and administrative disputes that are not heard by a court can go to ACAT, the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The rules of behaviour are not just good manners. Courts have legal powers to keep order. A judicial officer can ask a disruptive person to leave, and serious disrespect or disobedience can be punished as contempt of court. Recording or photographing court proceedings is prohibited, the Childrens Court is generally closed to the public, and a court can make a suppression or non-publication order that bans you from publishing certain information. Breaching any of these can be an offence or contempt.

Knowing which court you are in matters, but the everyday etiquette, standing, bowing, addressing the bench as 'Your Honour', and staying quiet and respectful, is the same in both the Magistrates Court and the Supreme Court. The official ACT Magistrates Court guidance is your best starting point, and the rest of this page walks through it step by step.

ACT court rules you must follow

Address the magistrate or judge as 'Your Honour' (ACT Magistrates Court guidance).
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your hearing time.
Turn your mobile phone off inside the courtroom.
No eating, chewing gum or drinking (water aside) in the court building.
Recording or photographing proceedings is prohibited and can be contempt.
The Childrens Court is generally closed; you cannot identify a child involved.
A suppression or non-publication order is binding; breaching it is an offence.
Disrupting or disrespecting the court can be punished as contempt.

Why courtroom etiquette matters

Courts are formal places, and how you behave sends a signal long before you say a word. Showing respect, being on time, dressing neatly and staying calm tells the magistrate or judge that you take the matter seriously. Poor conduct, arriving late, talking over the bench, or treating it casually, can colour how you are seen and, at the extreme, lead to being removed or charged with contempt. Good etiquette costs nothing and only ever helps you.

Court etiquette in practice

Most people who follow the basic rules have an uneventful day in court. Here is what good and poor etiquette tend to lead to.

You arrive early and prepared

You have time to find your courtroom, check the list, speak to the duty lawyer and settle your nerves before your matter is called.

You dress and behave respectfully

The court sees that you take the matter seriously, and you avoid drawing negative attention to yourself.

You address the bench correctly

Calling the magistrate or judge 'Your Honour' and standing when you speak keeps things running smoothly and shows respect.

You arrive late or miss your matter

Your case may be dealt with in your absence, or a warrant may be issued, and you lose the chance to put your side.

You record, photograph or disrupt

You can be ordered to stop, removed from court, or in serious cases charged with contempt, which carries real penalties.

You stay quiet and ask when unsure

Asking a court officer quietly, or asking for the duty lawyer, avoids mistakes and is always better than guessing.

What to do now — step by step

1

Before the day, confirm the court, address and time, plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early, and dress in clean, neat clothing with proper footwear.

2

On arrival, go through security, check the court list (or ask staff) to find your courtroom, and ask court staff for the free duty lawyer if you need one.

3

Before entering the courtroom, turn your phone off, remove your hat and sunglasses, and finish any food or drink outside.

4

As you enter and leave, bow or nod to the coat of arms above the bench, sit quietly in the public seating, and wait for your name or matter to be called.

5

When your matter is called, stand, address the magistrate or judge as 'Your Honour', speak clearly, do not interrupt, and stay until you are told you may leave.

Mistakes to avoid

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Calling the magistrate 'Your Worship'. In the ACT, both magistrates and judges are addressed as 'Your Honour'.

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Leaving your phone on. A ringing or buzzing phone interrupts proceedings; turn it fully off before you go in.

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Trying to record or photograph the hearing for your own reference. This is prohibited and can be treated as contempt.

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Turning up at the listed time. Arrive at least 15 minutes early; matters are rarely heard exactly on time and you may wait.

Free & low-cost help in Australian Capital Territory

You do not have to face an ACT court alone or pay for advice. Free help is available, including duty lawyers at court who can speak for you on the day. Ask court staff to point you to the duty lawyer.

Legal Aid ACT

Free helpline and duty lawyers at ACT courts for eligible people. Phone the helpline on 1300 654 314 or ask court staff for the duty lawyer.

Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)

Legal advice and court representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Police and court line: 1800 765 767.

Canberra Community Law

A community legal centre offering free help with housing, social security and discrimination law, including some duty services.

ACT Magistrates Court

Official 'what to do, say and wear' guidance and practical information for people coming to court in the ACT.

Frequently asked questions — Court Etiquette in Australian Capital Territory

How do I address a magistrate in the ACT?

Call them 'Your Honour'. The ACT Magistrates Court's own guidance says to call a judge or magistrate 'Your Honour'. You do not use 'Your Worship' in the ACT, even though that term was once common in some courts.

What should I wear to an ACT court?

Dress in clean, neat clothes with appropriate footwear, as if for a job interview. Avoid shorts, tracksuits, thongs, sunglasses and hats. You do not need a suit, but make an effort to look tidy and respectful.

Can I record or photograph what happens in court?

No. Recording, filming or photographing court proceedings is prohibited and can be treated as contempt of court. This includes audio recordings on your phone, even if you only want them for your own reference.

Do I have to stand in court?

Yes, at certain times. Stand when the magistrate or judge enters or leaves the room, and stand whenever you speak to them, unless you are told you may stay seated. You should also bow or nod to the coat of arms above the bench as you enter and leave.

What if I am late to court?

Get there as soon as you can and tell court staff straight away. If your matter is called and you are not there, it may be dealt with in your absence, or a warrant may be issued for a criminal matter. Always aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Is there a District court in the ACT?

No. The ACT has only two court levels, the ACT Magistrates Court and the ACT Supreme Court, plus the Court of Appeal. There is no District or County court, so the Supreme Court hears the serious matters that a District court would handle in other states.

Which court will my matter be in?

Less serious criminal charges and many civil disputes are heard in the ACT Magistrates Court. Serious indictable offences, such as murder or serious drug offences, and appeals from the Magistrates Court are heard in the ACT Supreme Court.

Can I bring a support person?

Yes. You can usually bring a friend or family member to sit with you in the public seating for support. They must follow the same etiquette rules: phone off, no talking during proceedings, and respectful behaviour.

What if I need an interpreter?

If you do not speak English well, you can ask the court for an interpreter, ideally well before your hearing date. Contact the court registry in advance so one can be arranged, as you should not rely on a friend or family member to interpret.

Can I get a free lawyer at court?

Often, yes. Legal Aid ACT and other services provide free duty lawyers at ACT courts who can give advice and sometimes speak for you on the day. Ask court staff to direct you to the duty lawyer, and arrive early so you have time to speak with them.

Sources & further reading

Last reviewed: 2026-06-19. Laws change — confirm current details with the linked official sources or call 1800 951 176.

Should you get a lawyer?

Court etiquette helps you behave correctly, but it does not replace legal advice about your actual case. If you are facing a criminal charge, giving important evidence, or unsure what to say when your matter is called, it is worth speaking to a lawyer first. A duty lawyer at the court can give free advice on the day, and services like Legal Aid ACT may be able to help if you qualify. Even a short conversation can change how your matter goes, so do not be afraid to ask.

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Court Etiquette in the ACT: How to Behave When You Go to Court