Court Etiquette in WA: How to Behave in Court

What you need to know right now

In a WA court you should arrive early, dress in clean, smart clothing, and turn your phone off before you go in. It is customary to bow towards the bench (the magistrate's or judge's seat) as you enter and leave. Stand up when the magistrate or judge enters or leaves the room, and when they speak to you or you speak to them, unless you are giving evidence in the witness box. Address a magistrate or judge as 'Your Honour'. Do not talk over anyone, eat, drink or chew gum, and never photograph, film or record the proceedings, which is against the law.

Western Australia's courts and the rules of conduct

Western Australia has a hierarchy of courts. The Magistrates Court of Western Australia is where all adult criminal cases begin, and it deals with less serious (summary) offences as well as civil claims up to $75,000. More serious cases move up to the District Court of Western Australia, which hears serious indictable offences such as serious assaults, sexual offences, fraud, burglary and drug offences. The Supreme Court of Western Australia is the highest court in the State and hears the most serious matters, including homicide offences such as murder and manslaughter.

Young people aged 10 to 17 generally have their matters heard in the Children's Court of Western Australia, which also deals with child protection cases. The Children's Court is usually closed to the public to protect the privacy of the children involved, so members of the public cannot simply walk in and watch. The State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) is a separate body that reviews many government and licensing decisions rather than criminal charges.

Knowing which court you are attending matters, because the more senior the court, the more formal the surroundings, but the basic etiquette is the same everywhere. A judge or magistrate runs the courtroom and you must follow their directions and those of court staff.

Some courtroom rules are not just polite customs, they carry legal force. Taking photographs or making a video or audio recording of court proceedings is not allowed and can amount to a criminal offence under the laws governing court security. Courts can also make suppression orders that prohibit publishing certain information, such as the identity of a person. Behaving in a way that disrupts or disrespects the court can be treated as contempt of court, which a judge or magistrate can punish, including with a fine or imprisonment in serious cases.

The rules that have legal force

All adult criminal matters in WA start in the Magistrates Court of Western Australia.
Serious indictable offences are heard in the District Court of Western Australia.
The Supreme Court of Western Australia hears the most serious matters, including murder and manslaughter.
Children aged 10 to 17 are dealt with in the Children's Court, which is usually closed to the public.
Photographing, filming or audio-recording court proceedings is prohibited and can be a criminal offence.
A court may make a suppression order banning the publication of certain details.
Disrupting or disrespecting the court can be punished as contempt of court.
You must follow the directions of the magistrate, judge and court staff at all times.

Why courtroom behaviour matters

Magistrates and judges deal with hundreds of people, and how you conduct yourself leaves an impression. Arriving on time, dressing neatly and speaking respectfully show that you take the matter seriously, which can only help. Arriving late, being rude, talking over the bench or using your phone can frustrate the court and, in the case of recording or disruptive behaviour, can land you in further legal trouble. Good etiquette will not decide your case on its own, but it keeps the focus where it belongs: on your matter being heard fairly.

Court etiquette in practice

Here is what good courtroom etiquette looks like in practice in a WA court:

Arrive early

Get there well before your listed time. If you are late, your case might be heard in your absence or a warrant might be issued for your arrest. Allow time to find the courtroom and pass through security.

Dress neatly

Wear clean, smart clothing. You do not need a suit, but avoid singlets, thongs, ripped clothing, hats and sunglasses. Remove your hat before entering the courtroom.

Bow to the bench

It is customary to bow your head towards the bench (the magistrate's or judge's seat, beneath the coat of arms) as you enter and leave the courtroom. A small, respectful nod is enough.

Stand at the right times

Stand when the magistrate or judge enters or leaves, and when they speak to you or you speak to them, unless you are giving evidence from the witness box.

Address the bench correctly

Call a magistrate or judge 'Your Honour'. Wait your turn, do not interrupt, and speak only when invited to. Speak clearly to the bench, not to the other side.

Phones off, no recording

Turn your phone right off before you go in. Do not eat, drink or chew gum, and never photograph, film or record proceedings, which is against the law.

What to do now — step by step

1

Before the day, check the court name, address and your listed time, and plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Read any letter or notice you have received carefully.

2

On arrival, go through security, find your courtroom on the daily list, and let the court officer or front counter know you are there. Then sit quietly in or near the courtroom and wait.

3

When you enter the courtroom, bow your head towards the bench, switch your phone off, take your hat off, and sit in the public seating until your matter is called.

4

When your name is called, move to the front as directed. Stand when speaking to the magistrate or judge, call them 'Your Honour', answer honestly and clearly, and do not interrupt.

5

When your matter finishes, listen carefully to what you are told to do next, ask the duty lawyer or court staff if you are unsure, bow to the bench and leave quietly.

Mistakes to avoid

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Calling the magistrate 'Your Worship'. In WA, magistrates are now addressed as 'Your Honour', the same as judges.

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Leaving your phone on. A ringing phone interrupts the court and using it to record proceedings is a criminal offence.

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Talking over the magistrate, the other party or the prosecutor. Wait for your turn and speak only to the bench.

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Turning up late or in the wrong clothes. Lateness can mean your case is heard without you, and scruffy or casual dress sends the wrong signal.

Free & low-cost help in Western Australia

You do not have to face court without help. Several free or low-cost services in WA can give you legal information, and some provide duty lawyers who can assist you at court on the day, often at short notice. It is best to contact them before your court date if you can.

Legal Aid WA

Free legal information through the Infoline on 1300 650 579 (9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday), plus duty lawyers at many courts who can help on the day.

Aboriginal Legal Service of WA (ALSWA)

Free legal help and representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including a duty service at many metropolitan and country courts. Call 1800 019 900.

Citizens Advice Bureau of WA

Free general information and referral, including a low-cost legal advice service, to help you understand your situation and find the right help.

Community Legal WA

Directory of community legal centres across metropolitan and regional WA that offer free legal advice and support to the public.

Frequently asked questions — Court Etiquette in Western Australia

How do I address a magistrate in a WA court?

Address a magistrate as 'Your Honour'. This is the current form of address in the Magistrates Court of Western Australia. The older term 'Your Worship' is no longer used. District Court and Supreme Court judges are also addressed as 'Your Honour'. If you slip up, simply correct yourself and carry on, the court will not hold an honest mistake against you.

What should I wear to court in WA?

Wear clean, smart clothing. You do not need an expensive suit, but you should avoid singlets, shorts, thongs, ripped jeans, slogan t-shirts, hats and sunglasses. Aim for neat, conservative clothing, similar to what you might wear to a job interview, and take your hat off before entering the courtroom.

Can I record or film court proceedings?

No. Taking photographs, filming video or making an audio recording of court proceedings is not allowed in WA and can be a criminal offence under the laws governing court security. This applies to your phone as well. Turn your phone off before you go into the courtroom. Only accredited media may report on a case, and even then strict rules and any suppression orders apply.

Do I have to stand up in court?

Yes, at certain times. You should stand when the magistrate or judge enters or leaves the courtroom, and when they speak to you or you speak to them. The main exception is when you are giving evidence from the witness box, where you usually stay seated. If you have a disability or medical condition that makes standing difficult, let the court staff know and the court will accommodate you.

What happens if I am late to court?

Try very hard not to be. If you are late, your case might be heard in your absence, or a warrant might be issued for your arrest if you are the accused. If something unavoidable happens on the day, phone the court registry as soon as possible to explain, and get there as quickly as you safely can. Arriving at least 30 minutes early avoids this risk.

Should I bow when I enter the courtroom?

Yes, it is customary. As you enter and leave the courtroom, bow your head towards the bench, which is the raised seat where the magistrate or judge sits, beneath the coat of arms. A small, respectful nod is all that is needed. You should also be quiet so you do not disrupt any case being heard.

Which court will my matter be heard in?

Almost all adult criminal cases in WA start in the Magistrates Court of Western Australia. Less serious matters are finalised there. More serious (indictable) offences are sent up to the District Court of Western Australia, and the most serious matters, such as murder and manslaughter, go to the Supreme Court of Western Australia. If you are under 18, your matter is usually heard in the Children's Court of Western Australia.

Can I bring a support person, and can they sit with me?

Yes. You can bring a friend or family member for support. In an open court they can sit in the public seating. They must follow the same etiquette as everyone else: phones off, no talking during proceedings and no recording. Note that the Children's Court is usually closed to the public, so who can attend is more limited.

What if English is not my first language?

You can ask the court to arrange an interpreter, and it is best to request one well before your court date by contacting the court registry. Do not rely on a friend or family member to interpret formal proceedings. Using a qualified court interpreter makes sure you understand everything and can take part properly.

Is there a free lawyer at court who can help me?

Often, yes. Legal Aid WA and the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA provide duty lawyers at many WA courts who can give you free help on the day, though they are usually very busy. Arrive early and ask the court staff how to see the duty lawyer. For more involved help it is far better to get advice before your court date.

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 speak to a lawyer

Etiquette gets you through the door respectfully, but it does not tell you what to say about your actual case. If you are facing a criminal charge, especially anything that could lead to a conviction, a fine, a licence loss or a term of imprisonment, it is well worth speaking to a lawyer before you go to court. A lawyer can explain your options, tell you whether to plead guilty or not guilty, and speak on your behalf in court. Even a single conversation can change the outcome. If you cannot afford a private lawyer, ask about Legal Aid WA, the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA or a community legal centre, and look for a duty lawyer at the court on the day.

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Court Etiquette in Western Australia: How to Behave in Court