Court Etiquette in the NT | How to Behave in Court

What you need to know right now

In a Northern Territory court, arrive early and dress in clean, smart clothes. Turn your phone right off. When you enter or leave the courtroom, bow your head towards the bench (the coat of arms above the Judge's seat). Stand up when the Judge enters or leaves, and stand whenever you speak. In the Local Court of the Northern Territory you call the Judge 'Your Honour', 'sir' or 'madam'; in the Supreme Court you say 'Your Honour'. Do not interrupt, do not eat or drink, take your hat and sunglasses off, and never film, photograph or record the proceedings, which is against the law.

Northern Territory's courts and the rules of conduct

The Northern Territory has a two-tier court system, which means there are only two main criminal courts and no District or County Court in between. The lower court is the Local Court of the Northern Territory, created by the Local Court Act 2015 and in operation since 2016, when it replaced the former Court of Summary Jurisdiction (the old Magistrates Court). It hears the great majority of criminal matters, including bail, pleas and summary offences, along with civil disputes up to $250,000. The higher court is the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, which deals with the most serious indictable offences such as murder and serious sexual offences, and hears appeals.

One important change came with the 2016 restructure: the judicial officers of the Local Court are now Judges, not Magistrates. This matters for how you address them. The old term 'Your Worship' is no longer used. The Local Court's own guidance says to call the Judge 'Your Honour', 'sir' or 'madam'. In the Supreme Court you address the judge as 'Your Honour'.

The Local Court also runs several specialist streams, including the Youth Justice Court for people under 18, as well as the Community Court, Coroners Court, Work Health Court and others. Youth matters are usually closed to the public to protect the young person, so the rules about who can be present, and the strict ban on identifying a child, are tighter than in an adult court.

Most courtroom etiquette is about showing respect for the court and not disrupting proceedings. Some of it is simply good manners, but several rules carry real legal force: filming, photographing or recording a court is prohibited, suppression orders can legally stop you publishing certain information, and behaving in a way that disrupts or disrespects the court can amount to contempt of court, which a Judge can punish. If in doubt, sit quietly, watch what others do, and follow any direction from court staff or the Judge.

NT court rules with legal force

Do not film, record or broadcast proceedings (this is prohibited and can be contempt).
Obey any suppression order; breaching one is a criminal offence.
Youth Justice Court matters are generally closed and a child cannot be identified.
Disrupting or disrespecting the court can be punished as contempt.
The Local Court of the NT is established under the Local Court Act 2015.
Local Court judicial officers are Judges, not Magistrates, since 2016.
Switch your mobile phone off before entering the courtroom.
Follow all directions from the Judge and court staff.

Why courtroom etiquette actually matters

Courts run on respect and order, and the way you behave sends a signal to the Judge. Arriving on time, dressing neatly and being polite shows you are taking the matter seriously, and that quietly works in your favour. The reverse is also true: turning up late, arguing over the top of people, or letting a phone ring can frustrate the court and waste everyone's time. Good etiquette will not win a case on its own, but poor etiquette can make a bad impression at exactly the wrong moment, and in serious cases can land you in trouble for contempt. Treat it as the easiest part of your day to get right.

Court etiquette in practice

Here is what to expect on the day, from the moment you arrive until your matter is finished.

Arriving and finding your court

Get there at least 30 minutes early. Check the daily list on the noticeboards, screens or online to find your courtroom, and go through security first.

Waiting for your matter

Sit quietly in the public gallery at the back. Matters are not always called in order, so stay nearby and listen for your name.

When your name is called

Walk to the bar table or the spot court staff point you to, stand, and wait. The Judge or staff will tell you when to speak.

Speaking to the Judge

Stand up, speak clearly and address the Judge as 'Your Honour'. Do not interrupt, and let the other side finish before you respond.

If you need an interpreter

Arrange one through the court registry before the day. The Aboriginal Interpreter Service provides duty and Aboriginal language interpreters, including at Bush Court.

When your matter ends

Wait until you are told you can go. Bow your head to the bench as you leave, and ask staff if you are unsure what happens next.

What to do now — step by step

1

Before the day, confirm your court, time and address, organise any interpreter or support person through the registry, and gather your paperwork.

2

On the day, arrive at least 30 minutes early, dress in clean smart clothes, remove your hat and sunglasses, and switch your phone off.

3

Find your courtroom from the daily list, go through security, then sit quietly in the public gallery and wait for your name to be called.

4

When called, bow your head to the bench as you enter, stand when the Judge enters or leaves, stand when you speak, and address the Judge as 'Your Honour'.

5

When your matter finishes, wait to be excused, bow your head as you leave, and check with court staff if you are unsure what to do next.

Mistakes to avoid

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Leaving your phone on. A ringing or buzzing phone interrupts the court; switch it right off, not just to silent, before you go in.

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Calling the Judge 'Your Worship'. That term is out of date in the NT Local Court; say 'Your Honour', 'sir' or 'madam' instead.

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Recording or photographing the courtroom. This is prohibited, can breach a suppression order, and may be treated as contempt of court.

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Turning up late or in the wrong clothes. Being late can mean your matter is dealt with without you; thongs, singlets and hats look disrespectful.

Free & low-cost help in Northern Territory

You do not have to face court alone. Several free or low-cost services across the Northern Territory can give you advice, and some can represent you, especially in criminal matters. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have dedicated legal services. Contact them as early as you can, because they get busy.

Legal Aid NT (Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission)

Free legal information, advice and, in some cases, representation across the NT. A good first call if you are not sure where to start.

North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA)

Free criminal, civil and family law help for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with offices in Darwin and across the Territory.

Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service (CAALAS)

Legal advice and representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Central Australia, based in Alice Springs.

Aboriginal Interpreter Service (AIS)

Aboriginal language interpreters for court, including duty interpreters in most courtrooms and at Bush Court. Phone 1800 334 944.

Frequently asked questions — Court Etiquette in Northern Territory

How do I address a Judge in the NT Local Court?

Call the Judge 'Your Honour', 'sir' or 'madam'. Since the Local Court was restructured in 2016, its judicial officers are Judges, not Magistrates, so the old term 'Your Worship' is no longer used. When in doubt, 'Your Honour' is always safe.

How do I address a Supreme Court judge in the NT?

Address a Supreme Court of the Northern Territory judge as 'Your Honour'. The same applies whenever you are speaking directly to the bench, and you should stand up while you do it.

What should I wear to court?

Wear clean, smart clothes and closed shoes, as if for a job interview. Avoid thongs, singlets, ripped clothing, hats and sunglasses inside the courtroom. Courtrooms are often cold, so a light jacket is a good idea.

Can I record or film court in the NT?

No. Filming, photographing, recording or broadcasting court proceedings is prohibited. Doing so can breach a suppression order and may be treated as contempt of court, which a Judge can punish.

Do I have to stand up in court?

Yes. Stand when the Judge enters and leaves the courtroom, and stand whenever you speak to the court. If you are physically unable to stand, let court staff know and the Judge will not expect it.

What if I am late to court?

Get there as early as you can. If you are running late, phone the court registry straight away. If your matter is criminal and you do not appear, the court may deal with it in your absence or issue a warrant for your arrest, so do not simply stay away.

Do I have to bow when I enter the courtroom?

Yes, it is the custom. Bow your head towards the bench, which is the area with the coat of arms above the Judge's seat, as you enter and leave the courtroom. It is a small gesture of respect for the court, not the individual.

Can I bring a support person?

Generally yes. A friend or family member can usually sit with you in the public gallery for support, though they cannot speak for you unless they are your lawyer. Youth Justice Court matters are usually closed, so check who is allowed in.

What if English is not my first language?

You can ask for an interpreter. Arrange one through the court registry before the day. The Aboriginal Interpreter Service provides Aboriginal language interpreters, including duty interpreters in most courtrooms and at remote Bush Court sittings.

What should I bring with me to court?

Bring any court documents or notices, a list of points you want to raise, identification, and details of your lawyer or legal service if you have one. Arrive early so you have time to get through security and find your courtroom.

Sources & further reading

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

Should I get a lawyer for my NT court matter?

Etiquette is the easy part; the law behind your matter is usually the hard part. A lawyer can tell you what to expect, speak for you in court, and help you avoid mistakes that could affect the outcome. For anything criminal, or where you could face a fine, a record or jail, it is well worth getting advice before you walk in. Many people qualify for free help through Legal Aid NT or an Aboriginal legal service, and even a single phone call can make the day far less stressful. If you would like to understand your options, our hotline can point you in the right direction.

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Court Etiquette in the Northern Territory