Court Etiquette in Victoria (VIC): How to Behave

What you need to know right now

Arrive at least 30 minutes early and dress neatly and conservatively. Turn your mobile phone off (not just silent) before you go in. Stand up when the magistrate or judge enters and leaves the courtroom, and again whenever you speak to them. Address a magistrate or judge as 'Your Honour'. Wait until you are invited to speak, do not interrupt, and speak to the bench rather than to the other side. Never record, photograph or film inside a court building, including the foyer, as this is against the law.

Victoria's courts and the rules of conduct

Victoria has four main courts, and which one you attend depends on the matter. Most criminal cases, intervention orders and smaller civil disputes begin in the Magistrates' Court of Victoria (note the apostrophe after 'Magistrates'). More serious crimes and larger civil claims are heard in the County Court of Victoria, while the most serious matters, large civil cases and appeals go to the Supreme Court of Victoria. The Children's Court of Victoria deals with under-18s in criminal matters and with child-protection cases, and it is a closed court. The Coroners Court investigates certain deaths and fires, and VCAT (the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) handles tenancy, consumer, guardianship and similar disputes.

Knowing how to address the person in charge matters. In Victoria you address a magistrate as 'Your Honour' (the old term 'Your Worship' was abolished by a 2004 Practice Direction). County Court judges, Supreme Court judges and Supreme Court Associate Justices are also addressed as 'Your Honour'. A Judicial Registrar is addressed as 'Judicial Registrar'. If you are unsure, 'Your Honour' is rarely wrong, and court staff will help you. VCAT members are usually addressed as 'Member', 'Sir' or 'Madam'.

The core rules of conduct are about respect and order. Stand when the magistrate or judge enters and leaves, and when you speak to them. Many people bow their head toward the bench (the coat of arms above it) as they enter and leave the courtroom as a mark of respect. Remove your hat and sunglasses, turn your phone off, and do not eat, drink, chew gum or talk while court is in session. When your matter is called, move to the bar table in the middle of the room and wait to be invited to speak. Speak to the bench, not to the other party, and never interrupt.

Some of these rules are not just manners, they are the law. Recording, photographing, filming or livestreaming court proceedings without the court's permission is prohibited under the Open Courts Act 2013 (Vic), and this applies inside the courtroom and in surrounding areas such as the foyer. Passing on an unauthorised recording is a separate offence carrying a fine. Disrupting or obstructing a hearing can amount to contempt in the face of the court, which can be punished by a fine or even imprisonment. The Children's Court is closed to the general public, and suppression or closed-court orders can apply in any court.

If you breach these rules you may be asked to leave, and in serious cases you can be charged. The safest approach is to watch what others do, stay quiet unless it is your turn, and ask court staff if you are unsure. For free, plain-English help before your hearing, call 1800 951 176.

Victorian courtroom rules at a glance

The main courts are the Magistrates' Court, County Court, Supreme Court and Children's Court of Victoria (plus the Coroners Court and VCAT).
Address a magistrate or a County Court or Supreme Court judge as 'Your Honour'; address a Judicial Registrar as 'Judicial Registrar'.
Turn your mobile phone off, not just on silent, before entering the courtroom.
Recording, photographing or filming proceedings without permission is an offence under the Open Courts Act 2013 (Vic) and can be contempt.
Stand when the magistrate or judge enters or leaves, and whenever you speak to them.
Dress neatly and conservatively; remove hats and sunglasses; no food, drink or chewing gum.
When your matter is called, stand at the bar table and wait to be invited to speak; do not interrupt.
Disrupting a hearing can be contempt of court, punishable by a fine or imprisonment.

The mistake that gets people in real trouble

The single thing first-timers most often get wrong is reaching for their phone. Recording, photographing or filming court proceedings, or livestreaming them, is against the law in Victoria without the court's express permission, and the ban covers not just the courtroom but the corridors and foyer too. People do it without thinking, to capture a result or message a relative, and a quick video can turn into a criminal offence under the Open Courts Act 2013 (Vic) or a contempt charge. Switch your phone fully off before you walk in, and keep it off until you have left the building.

Court etiquette in practice

Here is what to do at the key moments most people worry about. Watch those around you and follow the lead of court staff if you are ever unsure.

When the magistrate enters

Everyone stands. Stay standing until the magistrate or judge sits and you are told you may sit. Stand again when they leave. Many people bow their head toward the bench as a mark of respect.

How to address the bench

Call a magistrate or judge 'Your Honour'. Speak clearly and respectfully, direct your words to the bench rather than the other side, and wait for permission before you speak.

Dress and phones

Wear clean, neat, conservative clothing, as if for a job interview, and remove hats and sunglasses. Turn your phone fully off before entering, not just to silent.

When it is your turn to speak

When your matter is called, move to the bar table in the middle of the room. Wait until the magistrate invites you to speak, then talk slowly and stick to the facts.

Recording and photos

Do not record, photograph or film anything inside the court building, including the foyer. This is prohibited by law and can be an offence or contempt of court.

If you make a mistake

Stay calm and polite. If you stumble or say the wrong thing, simply apologise, for example 'I'm sorry, Your Honour', and carry on. Courts expect self-represented people to be nervous.

What to do now — step by step

1

Before the day, find out which court and courtroom you are in and how to get there. If you have questions about what to expect, call 1800 951 176 for free legal information.

2

On the day, arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow for security screening, then check in with the registry or court staff so they know you are present.

3

Dress neatly and conservatively, remove your hat and sunglasses, and turn your phone fully off before you go into the courtroom. Sit quietly in the public gallery until your matter is called.

4

When your name is called, move to the bar table, stand, and wait to be invited to speak. Address the magistrate or judge as 'Your Honour', speak clearly and never interrupt.

5

If you would feel more confident with a lawyer, ask court staff about the duty lawyer service or call 1800 951 176 to be pointed to free help before your hearing.

Mistakes to avoid

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Using a phone to record, photograph or livestream inside the court building, which is against the law and can be an offence or contempt.

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Staying seated when the magistrate or judge enters or leaves the courtroom, or not standing when spoken to.

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Calling the magistrate the wrong thing, such as the outdated 'Your Worship', instead of 'Your Honour'.

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Arriving late or only minutes before, leaving no time for security screening, finding the right courtroom or checking in at the registry.

Free & low-cost help in Victoria

Free help is available in Victoria, both before your court date and often at the court itself. These services cost nothing to contact.

Victoria Legal Aid

Free legal information, advice and duty lawyers at many Victorian courts. Phone 1300 792 387.

Magistrates' Court of Victoria (Representing yourself)

Official guidance on appearing without a lawyer, courtroom conduct and what happens on the day.

Youthlaw

Victoria's free state-wide community legal centre for young people under 25. Helpline (03) 9113 9500.

Federation of Community Legal Centres

Peak body for Victoria's community legal centres, with a directory to find your nearest free centre.

Frequently asked questions — Court Etiquette in Victoria

How do I address a magistrate in Victoria?

You address a magistrate as 'Your Honour'. The older term 'Your Worship' was abolished by a 2004 Practice Direction and should no longer be used. If you forget, court staff will gently correct you and 'Your Honour' is rarely wrong.

What should I wear to court in Victoria?

Wear clean, neat and conservative clothing, similar to what you would wear to a job interview. Plain, modest colours are best. Remove your hat and sunglasses before going in. There is no formal dress rule, but looking tidy shows respect for the court.

Can I record or film court in Victoria?

No. Recording, photographing, filming or livestreaming court proceedings without the court's permission is prohibited under the Open Courts Act 2013 (Vic), and the ban covers the foyer and corridors too. Passing on an unauthorised recording is also an offence, and doing it can amount to contempt of court.

Do I have to stand up in court?

Yes. You stand when the magistrate or judge enters and leaves the courtroom, and again whenever you speak to them. If you have a disability or health condition that makes standing difficult, tell the court staff and they will accommodate you.

What happens if I am late to court?

Try hard not to be. If your matter is called and you are not there, it can be dealt with in your absence or a warrant may be issued in criminal cases. If you are running late, phone the court registry straight away and explain. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early.

Can I bring my phone into a Victorian court?

You can bring a phone into the building, but you must turn it fully off, not just on silent, before entering the courtroom, and you must never use it to record or photograph anything. The safest approach is to keep it switched off until you leave.

Do I have to bow when I enter a Victorian courtroom?

Bowing your head toward the bench as you enter and leave is a common mark of respect and is expected in courts such as the Children's Court and Coroners Court. It is a brief nod, not a deep bow. If you are unsure, simply follow what others in the room do.

What do I call a judge in the County or Supreme Court?

You address a County Court judge and a Supreme Court judge as 'Your Honour', the same as a magistrate. A Supreme Court Associate Justice is also 'Your Honour', while a Judicial Registrar is addressed as 'Judicial Registrar'.

Where do I sit or stand in the courtroom?

Members of the public sit in the public gallery, the seating at the back of the courtroom. When your own matter is called, you move forward to the bar table in the middle of the room, stand, and wait to be invited to speak.

Can I bring a support person or an interpreter?

Yes. You can usually bring a support person to sit with you in the public gallery for moral support, although they generally cannot speak for you. If English is not your first language, ask the court or Victoria Legal Aid in advance and an interpreter can be arranged.

Sources & further reading

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

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Court Etiquette in Victoria: How to Behave When You Go to Court