Court cases, orders and sentencing

The judge sits on the bench at the front of the courtroom, and lawyers sit facing them at a table called the bar.

Members of the public and family can sit in the chairs behind the lawyers. Anyone can sit in the courtroom and listen to the evidence.

In some cases, the judge may ask people to leave the courtroom and stop some evidence from being published in the media. This is called a closed court.

When inside the court you should do all of the following:

• bow to the magistrate or judge when entering and leaving a courtroom
• enter and leave the courtroom quietly
• not talk, eat or chew gum
• turn off your mobile phone
• remove your sunglasses and/or hat.

Find out more information about courtroom rules.