I'm Not a Lawyer: What Shall I Do At Court?

This question appears very, very regularly.

So, for my non-legal connections (or perhaps my legal connections who do not go to court) here is a very short, very concise guide to what happens up to the start of the hearing.

1. Locate the court. Don't assume that there is only one court in the town. There might be a magistrates, county, crown, tribunal, etc...
2. Having located the court, work out, in advance, how to get there. And arrive early.
3. You will need to go through security, so if you can, put everything from your pockets into your bag. Put the bag through the bag scanner, and walk through the body scanner when asked by security.
4. Look for the listings (security can help you). Find your case, either by party name or case number. The listing page will tell you what court.
5. Find out (again, security can help) where that court is. Go to it.
6. Find the usher, and let him or her know you have arrived, what case for, and the names of any witnesses with you.
7. At this point, turn off all mobile phones, tablets, etc. It does not go down well if your ring tone blasts around the court.
8. When you are called in, ask the usher where you should sit, and take a seat.
9. Over to you!

Alternatively, my colleagues and I at Becket Chambers may be able to assist you. Contact [email protected]