Gather Information
As soon as you know that you have a hearing coming up check the date, time and location of your hearing.
You will find this information in your hearing notice if you are on bail or summons.
If you require an interpreter ask your legal representative to arrange this for you.
If you are self-represented, you should arrange for an interpreter in advance. Contact the Court Registry in the Court where your matter will be heard and they will assist you.
On Arrival
On the day of your hearing arrive early so that you are prepared for any changes. Once you have arrived at Court, register your appearance with the Court Registry. The Registry will then provide you with further information, including what room your matter is in.
If your case is being heard in the Magistrates’ Court wait outside the Courtroom until you are called. If your case is being heard in the County Court the Court Bailiff will tell you when to go into the Courtroom. At the Supreme Court wait inside your Courtroom. If you are held in custody the corrections officer or police will assist you.
Court proceedings are open to the public unless there are special circumstances. If you are feeling particularly nervous about the Court process, we recommend that you attend an open hearing prior to your Court date so that you can view the process. If you do so, please sit in the back of the Court room.
What Happens If I Do Not Attend?
If you fail to appear before the court and have failed to organise an adjournment beforehand, your case may be heard and determined in your absence.
If you are on bail and you fail to appear there can be a warrant issued for your arrest.
Obtain Legal Advice
f you or someone you know need to go to Court, we advise that you obtain legal advice. To obtain legal advice you can contact the following:
· Victorian Legal Aid;
· Community Legal Centre;
· Law Institute of Victoria; and
· GOTOCOURT legal hotline on 1300 636 846.
For more information see our Legal Assistance page here.
GETTING READY FOR COURT
YOUR
HEARING
How Should I Dress?
When you attend Court, you should dress in a professional and conservative manner.
Appropriate attire is as follows:
· A suit;
· Pants or a skirt below the knee;
· Closed footwear; and
· A collared skirt buttoned up.
The following items of clothing are not suitable:
· Singlet tops;
· Strapless tops;
· Jeans;
· Short shorts or mini-skirts;
· Hats; and
· Clothing with offensive slogans.
If you are unsure whether you have the appropriate clothing
please contact http://www.wearforsuccess.org.au/
for additional support.
Court Etiquette
(a) General Rules
In Court you must act respectfully and abide general rules of etiquette. You must sit quietly until your matter is called. We strongly advise that you turn your mobile phone off prior to entering the Courtroom and ensure that it remains off for the duration of your hearing. You should refrain from eating or drinking in the Courtroom or from
recording the proceedings.
(b) Addressing the Magistrate or Judge
Think of the judge or Magistrate as the boss of the Court!
\They will sit at the front of the Court, facing everyone.
You are to call the Magistrate or Judge ‘Your Honour.’ You will only call the member ‘Sir/Madam’ if you are in a Tribunal, such as VCAT.
You must bow your head in the direction of the judge when entering or exiting the room. You must do the same when leaving the room too.
If the judge or Magistrate is entering the Courtroom you are to stand silently. You must also stand when the Magistrate or judge speaks to you.
Do not speak unless the judge or Magistrate asks you to speak.