You may need to go to the Supreme Court for a number of reasons.
You could be:
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an accused person to be tried before a judge and jury, or sentenced by a judge;
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a citizen who has been summoned for jury service;
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a witness in either a criminal or civil trial;
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a party in a civil trial;
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a self represented litigant; or
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an executor of a will.
Courtroom etiquette and protocol when attending the Supreme Court of Tasmania
Courts are very formal places and there is an expectation that you will behave in a respectful way and follow the rules and procedures. 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 presiding judge could fine you or send you to jail.
When visiting a courtroom, you should:
- enter and leave quietly (do not disrupt proceedings)
- bow your head to the judge when you enter and before you leave
- stand and bow your head when a judge enters or leaves the courtroom
- dress appropriately (see below)
- avoid talking and eating
- turn off mobile phones and other electronic equipment
Dress Code:
When you go to court, you should show respect for the court by dressing neatly. The following dress code applies:
- No hats or caps
- No hoodies with hoods up
- No sunglasses unless medically prescribed
- No bare feet
- No bare upper bodies
- No offensive slogans, signs or words visible on clothing
- No identification tags (other than military)
Some useful videos to help you prepare for, and attend, Court are available at:
https://www.magistratescourt.tas.gov.au/going_to_court/going-to-court-videos