Courts are formal places, and you must follow the rules and behave respectfully. Everyone in court, including witnesses, defendants, and the public, must conduct themselves according to the court’s rules.
If you don’t comply with the rules, you can be found in ‘contempt of court’. You may be told to leave the court and in extreme cases, such as if you disrupt the trial, the judge or magistrate could fine you or send you to jail.
General court rules
When you go to court, you should show respect for the court by dressing neatly (although you don’t have to wear a suit), particularly if you’re appearing as a witness or defendant.
When you’re in court:
- turn off your mobile phone
- sit quietly—don’t talk, comment or make noise if you are watching from the public gallery
- don’t eat, drink or chew gum—courthouses have an area outside the courtroom where you can eat
- don’t smoke or vape in the courthouse
- don’t make an audio or visual recording of proceedings
- don’t broadcast the trial in any way
- don’t speak to jurors if it is a jury trial.
Respecting the judge or magistrate
The judge or magistrate leads the court, and everyone must show them respect. This includes:
- standing whenever the judge or magistrate magistrate enters or leaves the courtroom—the depositions clerk or bailiff will call ‘all rise’
- bowing your head when entering or leaving the courtroom to acknowledge the crest that is displayed behind the judicial officer
- calling the judge or magistrate ‘Your Honour’.
Rules for specific roles
Defendants
As a defendant, always show respect for the court. Stand when the judge or magistrate speaks to you.
Learn more about going to court as a defendant.
Witnesses
Wait outside the courtroom until called to give evidence. Don’t discuss the case with other witnesses before they or you have given evidence.
Learn more about going to court as a witness.
Jurors
Jurors cannot have mobile phones or tablets in the courtroom, even if turned off. Sometimes, you may need to hand over your devices. The bailiff will let you know when this is required.
Learn more about going to court as a juror.
Watching from the public gallery
Queensland’s courts are open to the public. You can watch trials from the public gallery unless the judge or magistrate closes the courtroom for special reasons, such as protecting a vulnerable witness.
Witnesses can watch the trial only once they’ve given their evidence.
Cases in the Childrens Court are always closed to the public to protect the identity of the child involved. Immediate family members of the child may attend.
When watching from the public gallery:
- be quiet and respectful
- stand when the judge or magistrate enters or leaves
- don’t take photos, record, or broadcast the trial under any circumstances, unless the judge or magistrate has given permission or it is allowed under a Practice Direction.
Check your local court’s opening times and the daily law list to find out what cases are scheduled.
University students
Plan your visit by checking the daily law list online. During term time, you can collect a copy of the law list at the Supreme Court Library Queensland (Level 12, Brisbane Supreme and District Court complex, 415 George Street Brisbane).
Journalists
Accredited journalists may use electronic devices in open court, following the Practice Direction of the relevant jurisdiction. Ensure you understand these rules.
Learn more about going to court as a journalist.
Naming conventions for judicial officers
When addressing or referring to judicial officers in Queensland, follow these naming conventions:
- use only their last name with the correct judicial title or abbreviation. For example, refer to them as Justice Green or Green J, or Magistrate Green if they are a magistrate, not just Green
- avoid using first names in any context.
You can find judicial officer’s last names and post-nominals on their profiles, which are available on the Supreme Court Library website.
For more details, refer to the Naming Convention - Judicial Officers (PDF, 212.0 KB).
Further information
