Court Etiquette in Queensland (QLD)

What you need to know right now

In a Queensland court you address the magistrate or judge as 'Your Honour'. Arrive early, dress neatly, turn your phone off, and bow your head to the crest behind the bench as you enter and leave. Stand up when the magistrate or judge enters or leaves the room, and stand when you speak to them. Do not record or photograph what happens in the courtroom, do not eat, drink or chew gum, and do not interrupt. These are the basics that apply in every Queensland court.

Queensland's courts and the rules of conduct

Queensland has a court hierarchy. Most everyday criminal and civil matters start in the Magistrates Court of Queensland, which deals with less serious (summary) offences, committal hearings for serious charges, and smaller civil disputes. More serious criminal trials and larger civil claims are heard in the District Court of Queensland, and the most serious matters, such as murder and the largest civil cases, go to the Supreme Court of Queensland. Matters involving young people are dealt with in the Childrens Court of Queensland. The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) is a separate tribunal that handles things like tenancy, small civil disputes and guardianship, and it is more informal than a court.

The correct way to address the person on the bench in Queensland is 'Your Honour'. This applies to a magistrate, a District Court judge and a Supreme Court judge alike. You may also hear a judge referred to by name and title, for example 'Justice Smith' or 'Smith J', but in person 'Your Honour' is always safe. The older term 'Your Worship' is no longer the standard form of address for Queensland magistrates, so you should not use it.

Some courtroom rules are simply good manners, but others have the force of law. It is an offence to make an audio or visual recording of court proceedings, or to photograph them, without the court's permission. The court can also make a suppression order forbidding the publication of certain information, and breaching it is serious. The Childrens Court is generally a closed court: the public is excluded and there are strict limits on publishing anything that would identify a child involved in proceedings.

If your behaviour disrupts the court, you can be dealt with for contempt of court. That can include shouting out, refusing to follow the magistrate's or judge's directions, using a phone when told not to, or recording proceedings. Contempt is a real offence and, in serious cases, a court can fine you or send you to jail. None of this is meant to frighten you. The everyday reality is that if you are quiet, polite and do what court staff ask, you will be fine.

The rules that actually carry legal weight

Recording or photographing courtroom proceedings without the court's permission is an offence.
Breaching a suppression order (a 'do not publish' order) is a serious matter.
The Childrens Court is usually closed, and identifying a child involved is restricted by law.
Disrupting proceedings can be contempt of court, punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
Phones must be off; jurors generally cannot bring phones or tablets in at all.
You must follow the lawful directions of the magistrate, judge and court staff.
Lying on oath as a witness is perjury, a separate and serious offence.
Being absent when your matter is called can lead to a warrant for your arrest.

Why courtroom behaviour matters more than people expect

A magistrate or judge sees a lot of people in a day, and how you carry yourself leaves an impression. Turning up on time, dressed neatly, calm and respectful, signals that you are taking the matter seriously, and that quiet respect can only help you. The opposite, being late, casual, distracted by your phone or argumentative, can hurt you before you have said a word about your case. You do not need to be polished or to sound like a lawyer. You just need to be on time, quiet when you should be, and respectful when you speak. If any of this feels overwhelming, talking it through beforehand on 1800 951 176 can take a lot of the worry away.

Court etiquette in practice

Different people go to court for different reasons, and what you do once you are there depends on your role. Here is what to expect:

You are the defendant

Arrive early, check in with court staff, and wait quietly until your name is called. When it is, move to the bar table, stand, and address the magistrate or judge as 'Your Honour'. If you have a lawyer or duty lawyer, they will speak for you.

You are a witness

You may be asked to wait outside until you are called so you do not hear other evidence. In the witness box you will take an oath or affirmation, then answer questions clearly and honestly. Speak to the magistrate or judge, not the lawyer asking the questions.

You are a support person

Sit quietly in the public gallery. You generally cannot speak for the person you are supporting, but your calm presence helps. Stand when everyone else stands, keep your phone off, and do not react audibly to what is said.

You are an observer or student

Most courts are open to the public, so you can sit in the gallery and watch. Bow your head to the crest as you enter and leave, stay silent, and switch your phone off. Remember the Childrens Court is usually closed to the public.

You need an interpreter

If you do not speak English well, you can ask the court for an interpreter, ideally before your court date. Tell court staff as early as possible so one can be arranged. An interpreter helps you understand and be understood; they do not give you advice.

You are representing yourself

Self-represented people are common and court staff are used to helping. You cannot get legal advice from staff, but you can ask about process. A free duty lawyer may be able to help on the day for some Magistrates Court matters.

What to do now — step by step

1

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Find the right courthouse and courtroom on your notice, allow time for security screening, and check the daily list or ask staff which courtroom you are in.

2

Dress neatly and switch your phone off (not just to silent). You do not need a suit, but avoid singlets, thongs and gym wear. Remove hats and sunglasses, and do not bring food, drink or gum into the courtroom.

3

When you enter, pause at the door and bow your head towards the crest above the bench, then sit quietly in the gallery and wait for your matter to be called.

4

When your name is called, stand and move forward. Address the bench as 'Your Honour', speak clearly, do not interrupt, and stand whenever you are speaking to the magistrate or judge.

5

When the magistrate or judge enters or leaves, stand up. As you finally leave the courtroom, bow your head to the crest again before you walk out.

Mistakes to avoid

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Calling the magistrate 'Your Worship'. In Queensland the correct address is 'Your Honour' for magistrates and judges alike.

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Leaving your phone on, or worse, using it to record or photograph. Recording proceedings without permission is an offence, not just rudeness.

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Turning up late or going to the wrong courthouse. If your matter is called and you are not there, a warrant can be issued for your arrest.

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Interrupting, arguing or reacting loudly. Wait your turn, speak only when invited, and let the magistrate or judge finish before you respond.

Free & low-cost help in Queensland

You do not have to face court alone, and there are free services across Queensland that can help you understand the process, give advice, or even speak for you on the day. These are genuinely free for people who qualify:

Legal Aid Queensland

Free legal information and advice by phone, plus duty lawyers who can help with many Magistrates Court matters on the day. Call 1300 65 11 88.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS)

Culturally appropriate legal advice and representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Queensland, including 24-hour help for criminal matters.

Community Legal Centres Queensland

A directory of local community legal centres that offer free advice and assistance. Use it to find a centre near you that covers your type of legal problem.

Caxton Legal Centre

A Brisbane-based community legal centre offering free legal advice, social support and financial counselling to people who are disadvantaged or on a low income, with services across Queensland.

Frequently asked questions — Court Etiquette in Queensland

How do I address a magistrate in Queensland?

Call a magistrate 'Your Honour'. The same applies to District Court and Supreme Court judges. The older term 'Your Worship' is no longer used for Queensland magistrates, so you should avoid it. If you slip up, do not panic; just correct yourself and carry on.

What should I wear to court?

Dress neatly and conservatively. You do not have to wear a suit, but you should avoid singlets, shorts, thongs, gym wear and anything with offensive slogans. Aim for the kind of clothes you would wear to a job interview or a formal meeting. Remove hats and sunglasses before you go in.

Can I record or photograph what happens in court?

No. Making an audio or video recording of court proceedings, or taking photographs, without the court's permission is an offence in Queensland. Keep your phone switched off and put away. Doing this can also be treated as contempt of court.

Do I have to stand up in court?

Yes. Stand whenever the magistrate or judge enters or leaves the courtroom, and stand whenever you are speaking to them or being spoken to. If you have a disability or medical reason that makes standing difficult, let court staff know and the court will accommodate you.

What happens if I am late or miss my court date?

Being late is risky. If your matter is called and you are not there, the court may deal with it in your absence or issue a warrant for your arrest. If something goes wrong on the day, phone the court registry as soon as possible to explain, and get there as fast as you safely can.

Where do I sit when I get to the courtroom?

If you are waiting for your matter, sit quietly in the public gallery at the back. When your matter is called, you move forward to the bar table at the front. If you are unsure, ask court staff or the bailiff, who are there to help direct you.

Can I bring a support person with me?

Yes, in most open courts you can bring a friend or family member to sit with you in the public gallery. They generally cannot speak on your behalf, but having someone there for support is allowed and often helps. Remember the Childrens Court is usually closed to the public.

Is the Childrens Court open to the public?

Generally no. The Childrens Court is usually a closed court, meaning the public is excluded and only people with a direct interest in the matter can be present. There are also strict legal limits on publishing anything that would identify a child involved in proceedings.

What can I bring into the courtroom?

Bring any documents or paperwork relating to your matter, a pen and paper, and any letters or references you have been asked to provide. Do not bring food, drink or chewing gum into the courtroom. Expect security screening at the entrance, similar to an airport.

What if I do not speak English well?

You can ask the court to arrange an interpreter, and it is best to do this before your court date. Contact the court registry as early as you can to request one. An interpreter helps you understand the proceedings and be understood; they do not give you legal advice.

Sources & further reading

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

When it helps to talk to a lawyer first

Knowing how to behave in court is one thing; knowing what to say about your actual case is another. If you are facing a charge, giving evidence, or representing yourself, a short conversation with a lawyer beforehand can make a real difference to how you prepare and what you expect. A lawyer can explain what the magistrate or judge will be looking for, what your options are, and whether a duty lawyer or legal aid might be able to help you on the day. You do not have to work all of this out alone, and getting advice early is almost always better than leaving it to the morning of your hearing.

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Court Etiquette in Queensland: What to Do and Say