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Attending Court

Location

The Supreme Court of Victoria has a number of buildings within its precinct. You will need to verify which building you are to attend through the Daily List (on the Lists and Sittings page of this site) which is published in "The Age" newspaper and also appears on the Court's website from 4.30pm the previous sitting day.

• The main building is located at 210 William Street, where Courts 1 to 15 can be found.
• The Court of Appeal building is at 459 Lonsdale Street, and accommodates the Green, Red and Blue Courts.
• The Old High Court is located at 450 Little Bourke Street, where Old High Courts 1 to 3, Court of Appeal Registry and Board of Examiners can be found.
• The Supreme Court Registry, comprising the Prothonotary's Office, Probate Office and the Funds in Court section, are located at 436 Lonsdale Street. Masters' Courts 1 to 6 are also located on the Ground Floor.
• The Juries Commissioner's Office, including the jury pool room where jurors are asked to attend before being called for service, is located on the Ground Floor, 250 William Street (County Court building).

Hours

The Supreme Court is open from 9.00am until 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. The building is not open on public holidays or weekends. The Supreme Court Registry hours are from 9.30am to 4.00pm. The Court of Appeal Registry hours are from 9.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

Etiquette

When you enter or leave a courtroom where a Judge (or Master) is hearing a matter, it is customary, out of respect, to bow slightly (as if nodding). You should also bow and remain standing when a Judge (or Master) enters or leaves the courtroom. You should enter and leave the courtroom quietly so you do not disrupt proceedings. Talking, smoking, eating and chewing gum is not permitted.

It is important that mobile phones and pagers are turned off before entering the courtroom. Video or other cameras, tape recorders, two way radios or other electronic equipment are not permitted in the courtroom.

Being a Witness in Court

Witnesses play an important role in the Victorian justice system. In criminal trials, the evidence of witnesses is important in helping to determine whether a person charged with an offence is guilty or not guilty. Witnesses may also be asked to give evidence in civil matters involving disputes between individuals or corporations over a variety of issues, such as breach of contract, a dispute over a will, or a claim for damages following a motor vehicle accident.

In Civil matters, a jury is often not required and the matter is heard and determined by a Judge.

Remember to take any relevant documents about the case with you to court.

You may have to wait a long time before you give your evidence. You may like to take something to read and something to eat or drink. You will be asked to wait in the public waiting area or a witnesses waiting room until called into court by the Tipstaff.

Access to Court Buildings

When attending the Court, please allow sufficient time to enter via the entrances at 210 William and 491 Lonsdale Streets and also in the Old High Court building. As security and scanning surveillance takes place on every person entering, during peak times (9.00-10.30am) and (1.30-2.30pm), there is sometimes a queue of people waiting to enter.

For wheelchair access, please enter via the Little Bourke Street laneway where a buzzer is located. A security officer will open the gate.

Mail is also scanned and this is done in the Mail Room. All hand-delivery of parcels and general mail needs to be taken to this room. Directions will be given upon arrival at the Court via the entrances mentioned above.