What happens after the court hearing?
On the day of the hearing and once both sides have completed their submissions, the court may take a short break to deliberate before giving judgment.
If the court does not deliver judgment on the day, the decision will be delivered within the next few months. This process is called reserved judgment. The court endeavours to deliver reserved judgments within three months of the hearing (excluding court leave periods). The registry is not able to provide a likely date for delivery of the judgment. As soon as the registry is advised that judgment is ready for delivery you will be advised (see below for that process). Delivery is usually, but not always, on Fridays.
In all matters, except for criminal appeals where a self-represented litigant is in custody, the registry will endeavour to inform you by telephone of the date and time for delivery of the reserved judgment. This usually occurs on the afternoon prior to delivery of the judgment. The daily law list also lists matters in which judgment is being delivered that day.
When a judgment is delivered, the registry creates an order in accordance with the decision of the court. A copy of that order stamped with the seal of the court and is posted to each party, usually within a week of the decision.
You can apply for special leave to appeal to the High Court of Australia . Time limits apply.
Common questions
Information about the individual jurisdictions of Queensland Courts and services and facilities available to clients.