Court guides

Why we wrote these

The most common thing people tell us after a first court date is that the law was not the frightening part. The building was. Not knowing where to stand, whether you could bring your phone in, what you were supposed to say, or why you sat there for three hours to be dealt with in ninety seconds.

None of that is written down anywhere useful. So we wrote it down. These guides are free, they contain no sales pitch, and they are as useful to somebody using the duty lawyer as they are to a client of ours.

They cover the five Queensland courts we are in most often. If your matter is at Coolangatta, Holland Park, Richlands, Wynnum, Cleveland, Ipswich or Caboolture, most of the general advice still applies. The addresses do not, so check yours on the notice to appear.

The things that are true at every Queensland courthouse

• Arrive early. Thirty to forty five minutes before your listed time. Security queues, and you need to read the list.
• Dress neatly. Queensland Courts asks you to show respect for the court by dressing neatly. You do not have to wear a suit. No singlets, no thongs, no hats in the courtroom.
• Turn your phone off. Not silent. Off. Recording or photographing proceedings is prohibited.
• No eating, drinking or chewing gum in the courtroom. There is somewhere outside to do that.
• Bow your head to the coat of arms behind the bench when you enter and leave, and stand when the magistrate or judge does.
• Call the magistrate or judge "Your Honour".
• Ask about the duty lawyer as soon as you arrive if you do not have your own solicitor. The service is free and it fills up.