Attending the Children's Court

People at court are expected to show respect, so you will see some people bow when they leave the court.

While the Children’s Court is conducted with less formality than other courts, it still follows general practices and conventions, which are:

• being punctual
• turning off mobile phones in the court room
• not eating or drinking in the court room
• not talking unnecessarily in the court room
• not wearing a hat inside the court room
• bowing when the magistrate enters or leaves the court room
• remaining standing until the magistrate is seated
• standing when the magistrate leaves the court
• bowing to the magistrate as you enter or leave the court room, while court is in session
• not approaching the magistrate directly unless specifically asked to do so
• where a person is represented by a solicitor, not talking to the magistrate directly, as all conversations while at court are conducted through the solicitors, unless the magistrate requests otherwise
• if asked to speak to the magistrate (besides when giving evidence in the witness box) stand and move to the front of the row of seats and ensure that you show respect and courtesy at all times
• addressing the magistrate as ‘Your Honour’ or  ‘Your Worship’
• asking permission of the magistrate before handing over documents to the court officer
• not entering or leaving the court room when a person is taking the oath or affirmation
• not walking between the bench and the bar table unless directed to do so by the court.