Going to court
Court location and time
You will have received a notice to attend court with details of the court location, date and time. You can also check the daily law list on the morning of the court event to confirm the time and courtroom location.
Feeling safe at court
The defendant and their family/ supporters will be at court. It’s important to feel safe and supported at court. You can bring a support person, such as a friend, family member, or advocate. If you’re a victim and are concerned about contact with the defendant or their supporters, speak with your victim liaison officer (VLO) to make a safety plan. In some cases, you may be able to attend court remotely if the judge allows.
If you’re a witness and may benefit from special witness measures, contact your VLO as early as possible.
You may request a court tour with one of our staff members or support service to get familiar with the space ahead of the trial.
Arriving at court
You should arrive 30–45 minutes early to allow time for security and check-in. Courts have security screening and accessible entrances for people with disabilities.
Plan your transport ahead of time:
- locate the courthouse
- check public transport routes
- locate nearby parking and consider time limits—you may be at court all day. Contact the court to ask about parking options.
What to wear to court
There are no strict rules, but court is a formal setting, so it’s important to:
- wear neat, tidy and professional clothing—a suit isn’t required, but aim to look presentable
- remove hats and sunglasses, unless you wear them for medical or religious reasons
- avoid clothing that could be seen as offensive or inappropriate.
Court etiquette and rules
If you are attending court as a witness for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) you should wait outside the courtroom until you are called to give evidence. You should not talk to other witnesses about the case before you and they have given evidence.
If you are sitting in the public gallery as an observer you must stay quiet, watch and listen. Some court content may be distressing—if you're overwhelmed, you can leave and return when you feel ready.
Before entering a courtroom:
- Make sure your phone or similar devices are off.
- Remove hats and sunglasses, unless you wear them for medical or religious reasons.
- Discard or put away any food or drinks, including chewing gum.
When entering the courtroom:
- If the judge or magistrate is in the courtroom, you must quietly bow or nod to them when you enter and leave.
- If the judge or magistrate is not in the room, you may enter and sit in the gallery (seats at the back of the room). You will be directed to stand if able when they enter the room.
- Court recording equipment is always on inside the courtroom.
While in the courtroom you are not allowed to:
- Eat, drink, or chew gum.
- Talk loudly while the judge and jury are present and/or while a witness is giving evidence. Please talk quietly if you need to.
- Be disruptive at any time.
- Use your phone or a camera for any reason.
- Record, tape, or broadcast the hearing in any way.
- Smoke or vape inside the courtroom or courthouse.
- Have anything that could be used as a weapon.
Learn more about courtroom etiquette in Queensland courts.
Arranging childcare during court
The ODPP is not able to assist with childcare arrangements for your child/ren while you are at court.
People in the court room
Courtrooms are usually open to the public, but sometimes they may be closed while you give evidence. The number of people in court can vary depending on the matter, but you may see:
- judge
- courtroom staff
- jury (only in jury trials)
- Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) staff
- ODPP representatives including a crown prosecutor and instructing clerk—will sit on the right-hand side of the bar table.
- defence representatives—will sit on the left-hand side of the bar table.
- defendant/s (the accused). If a defendant is in custody, they usually sit in the dock and a QCS officer sits next to the dock. The dock has a seat within an enclosed area near the bar table.
- other witnesses
- family or friends
- members of the public (if not closed to the public)
- media.
You can request that an ODPP staff member or a support service take you on a court tour to get a better understanding of the court in advance. Please speak with your VLO in advance to arrange this.
Unable to attend court
If you’re unwell or have an emergency that stops you from attending court, contact your VLO as soon as possible.
If you are required to attend court, but have tested positive to COVID-19, or have symptoms of COVID-19, you are encouraged to follow the Queensland Health advice, and contact the relevant court registry by phone to advise that you are unwell and await advice about what you are required to do.
Claiming expenses
If you are required to come to court as a witness, the ODPP may reimburse you for some costs related to your attendance. You won’t be reimbursed for any costs if you choose to attend court at times when you’re not required as a witness.
The ODPP does not cover or repay costs for attending a sentence hearing, unless you receive a subpoena requiring you to attend a sentence hearing as a witness.
All claims are subject to ODPP approval. To claim expenses, you’ll need to fill out a witness expense claim form after you’ve finished giving evidence. The arresting police officer can help you complete the form. Once submitted, it may take up to a month for your claim to be processed and paid.
If you need to pay a large amount upfront (e.g. travel or accommodation) and this causes financial hardship, please let the arresting police officer, or your VLO know as soon as possible. The arresting officer will handle your travel bookings, which are usually finalised close to the hearing date.
What expenses may be claimed
Travel by car (private vehicle)
You can claim an allowance per kilometer travelled and for parking costs if you have the receipt for the days you are required to appear as a witness.
Public transport (Council buses and trains)
You can claim the expense incurred of Council buses and train if you have the receipt for the days you are required to appear as a witness.
Plane flights or long-distance train tickets
If you need to travel a considerable distance, the ODPP may book and pay for your travel.
Overnight accommodation
The ODPP may arrange and pay for overnight accommodation if necessary.
Accompanying a child witness
If the witness is a child, arrangements will be made for an appropriate responsible adult to travel with the child and the cost of this will be paid by the ODPP.
Dependent/s
In some circumstances, if you are bringing along dependents and/or a support person, these costs may also be paid.
Meals
You can claim a set amount as an allowance for food and drink expenses while you are away from your home.
There is a maximum limit on the amount that can be paid for each type of meal, including drinks, throughout the day. You do not need to keep receipts for what you spend on meals.
The ODPP will calculate what you are entitled to based on the time you have been away from home. If you are staying in accommodation arranged by the ODPP, it may be possible for you to charge meal costs back to the room account. However, you will still need to pay for any food or drink costs above the maximum allowance permitted. You will be expected to pay for any other discretionary costs you incur, such as phone calls, mini bar items, or watching movies.
Loss of income
If you would ordinarily earn income on the days you are required to attend court as a witness and you will not be paid that income because you had to go to court, it is possible for you to claim a set amount for loss of income.