Going to court in NSW: what to do, say and bring

Check the papers before leaving home

Read the court attendance notice, summons, subpoena, bail document or latest order. Check the exact court address, date, time and whether attendance is in person or by an approved remote arrangement. An online list can help, but not every proceeding appears publicly. Contact the registry if anything is unclear.

The Legal Aid criminal-court guide recommends arriving at least half an hour before the time on the court attendance notice. Allow for travel and security. There is no universal 9 am arrival time for every NSW case, and the listed time does not guarantee that your matter will be heard immediately. Plan for a wait.

If you are a defendant, get legal advice before deciding a plea or the orders you will ask for. A first appearance can involve important decisions or the case being dealt with that day. If you need more time, explain why and ask; an adjournment is for the court to decide.

1. Confirm any meeting with your lawyer, prosecutor, police contact or witness-support officer, including where to meet.
2. Arrange work, caring responsibilities, transport and any access or interpreter request before the date where possible.
3. Check court security requirements. Avoid bringing weapons or other prohibited items. If you need medical equipment or an adjustment, contact the court beforehand and follow lawful security directions.

Where to go and wait depends on your role

Find the courtroom on the foyer list or ask registry staff. The NSW arrival guide requires defendants to register with the court officer; there may be a central desk or a check-in at your courtroom. Do not simply sit somewhere and assume the court knows you are present.

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The ODPP witness guide explains witness waiting and safety arrangements. Tell court staff promptly if you feel unsafe; ask about an available safe waiting area or support service.

What to wear, how to speak and when to stand

The Local Court’s current guidance says formal or business attire is not required. Aim to be neat and tidy. Legal Aid recommends avoiding singlets, thongs and untidy or ripped clothes. Explain any medical, religious or disability-related need rather than assuming you must remove necessary coverings or cannot attend.

The Local Court announced the change from magistrates to judges on 28 March 2026. Older guides may still use “magistrate”. Address the judge as “Your Honour”; if a registrar is dealing with the matter, use “Registrar”.

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1. The NSW courtroom guide explains that the microphone records proceedings; it does not necessarily amplify your voice. Speak clearly enough to be heard, without leaning into it or shouting.
2. Do not go to the bar table or move between it and the bench unless directed. Court layouts and where an unrepresented person is asked to stand or sit can differ.
3. Avoid eating and chewing gum. The current Local Court guide allows water; ask staff about medical or other needs and follow the directions at your hearing.

Respectful conduct helps the hearing proceed. Serious disruption or disobedience can have legal consequences, but a nervous mistake is not automatically contempt. The Judicial Commission explains the separate contempt and disrespectful-behaviour framework; seek advice if an allegation is made.

Separate phone use from recording and publication

The Sheriff recommends switching phones off before entering court. Some other court guidance says silent and no use. For an ordinary attendee, switch it off unless the court has authorised a different arrangement, for example an accessibility need. Ask before using it.

The Judicial Commission’s explanation of the Court Security Act distinguishes recording in court premises, transmitting information from a courtroom and distributing court recordings. Permission and statutory exceptions matter. These rules are not accurately reduced to “only lawyers may use a device”.

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1. Open court does not mean unrestricted publication. Suppression, non-publication and identification restrictions can apply separately from whether you may enter the room. Ask about any order or restriction affecting your case before posting details.
2. Some hearings, including many matters involving children or protected witnesses, have restricted access. Do not enter a room marked closed. Access rules can contain exceptions and judicial discretion; “only the people directly involved may attend every Children’s Court matter” is too broad.
3. If you need your phone or another device for communication, accessibility, evidence or an authorised professional task, raise it with staff or your lawyer before use. Do not assume that ordinary note-taking permission includes audio recording.

This guide does not list every recording exception, publication restriction or criminal penalty. Obtain specific advice before recording, sharing restricted material or responding to an alleged breach.

Request an interpreter, access adjustment or support early

Contact the relevant registry as soon as you know the hearing details. Explain the language and dialect needed or the particular access requirement. The court interpreter guide recommends at least a week’s notice where possible. Confirm the arrangement; do not assume an interpreter will be available simply because you arrive with a relative.

Courts can arrange and fund interpreters in some proceedings, including criminal and AVO matters under the applicable arrangements. For most civil proceedings, parties arrange and pay for their own interpreter. Ask the registry what applies to your matter and who is responsible for booking and cost.

For disability-related assistance, use the court access guidance or contact the Courts Service Centre on 1300 679 272. Ask about entry, seating, standing, hearing assistance, captions, breaks or other adjustments. Some arrangements need additional lead time; explain urgent needs promptly.

A friend or family member can often provide support, but is not automatically a court interpreter or authorised advocate. The court’s attendance FAQ says permission is needed if a non-lawyer wants to speak on your behalf. Check any closed-hearing or witness restriction.

For help speaking to the court or LawAccess by telephone, TIS is 131 450. Confirm the number and service you want to contact. Court staff can explain administration and procedures; they cannot decide your plea or give legal advice.

If you are late, unwell or have missed court

Contact the registry and your lawyer immediately. Give the case number, listed date, your role and the problem. If seeking a change, ask what written request and supporting evidence are needed. A medical certificate may be requested if you are unfit to attend.

Notification is not permission to miss court. The court’s guidance makes clear that an application is not automatically granted. Check the actual decision and continuing attendance or bail requirements. Do not assume a phone call, email or consultation booking has adjourned the matter.

If a date has already been missed, find out promptly what the court did. A case may have proceeded in absence, been adjourned or resulted in a warrant, depending on the circumstances. Seek legal advice about the order and any available remedy; relevant time limits can be short and differ by procedure.

This attendance guide does not calculate appeal or annulment deadlines. Do not wait for a reply from an information service before checking an urgent court obligation.

Bring a clear set of papers and questions

Prepare the documents relevant to your role, keeping originals safe and bringing organised copies where appropriate. This checklist helps prepare for court and advice; it does not determine your plea or prove your case.

1. The court attendance notice, summons, subpoena or latest order showing the court, date, time and attendance instructions.
2. Your case number, the name and contact details of your lawyer or the person who asked you to attend, and any agreed meeting instructions.
3. If charged: police papers supplied to you, including the facts sheet, charge details and any bail undertaking or conditions.
4. Documents your lawyer or the court has requested, organised so that you can find them; do not assume material is filed or served merely because you bring it.
5. A short list of questions about the next step, any plea or order sought, and what you need explained before a decision.
6. Details of interpreter, disability, medical, religious or safety needs and any arrangements already confirmed.
7. If an attendance problem has arisen, records explaining the problem and any request or supporting evidence already sent to the court.
8. A pen and paper for notes, and a plan for transport and a potentially long wait. Check security requirements before packing other items.

Keep sensitive information for the appropriate adviser and read any intake service’s privacy terms. General AI information is not a substitute for checking court orders or obtaining advice about your case.

Official help and free legal information

You can contact these services directly without paying Legal Hotline. Information, an advice appointment, a duty-lawyer service and ongoing representation have different eligibility and availability.

Common questions about attending a NSW court

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