Getting to court
Whether you are called to court as a witness, juror or defendant, understand what you need to know to attend court in person and what to do when you arrive.
Address of the courthouse
You can view a listing of all NSW Local Court locations.
You can find the address of the court you need to attend on any police or legal correspondence, including the Court Attendance Notice, summons or subpoena.
Courts are usually open to the public, so in many matters people are able to sit in the public gallery of the courtroom.
View the court lists published by NSW Courts and Tribunals.
Plan your trip
Make sure you leave plenty of time to get to court so you can find where to go.
Arriving at court
When you arrive at the court, you will be asked to pass through security. Please ensure you do not carry any sharp objects with you.
Find your courtroom by looking at the daily listings on the courtroom door or court list board.
Your safety and security in court matters
Witnesses or victims of crime can meet the police officer in charge of the case at court.
If you have any safety concerns, see a sheriff's officer (they will be in uniform and are situated at the security checkpoints).
Witnesses may be able to claim expenses for attending court.
People attending court for jury service
Before going to court for jury service, you must check to make sure that your panel, which is listed on the jury summons, is still needed at the time and date stated.
Phone the recorded information service, which is listed on your summons, any time from 4:30pm the night before you are to go to court, or log on to your juror account to access your full jury details. The information is available on Friday nights for the Monday court sessions.
When planning your day at court, please be aware:
- parking is not provided
- you cannot leave the court premises to move your car, so do not park in time limited parking (parking fines will not be reimbursed)
- smoking is not permitted in court complexes
- mobile phones may not be used in the courtroom.
Defendants must register with the court officer
- The court officer running the courtroom needs to know when defendants have arrived at court so they can work out how best to prioritise your case.
- Check with the court registry staff where you should mark off your attendance.
- There may be a registration desk where everyone registers for multiple courtrooms, or there may be a court officer checking names at your specific courtroom.
- The court officer will want to know if you are pleading guilty, not guilty, or asking for an adjournment. If you know what you want to do let them know as early as possible.
- If you are unsure and want to speak with the duty lawyer to get some advice, or you have pre-arranged to see the duty lawyer, let the court officer know that is where you are going so they do not deal with your case in your absence.