|
Where am I now? Lawlink > Disability homepage > Going to Court
|
Print page
|
Going to Court
The Department of Attorney General & Justice is committed to improving access to services for people with disabilities throughout the State and in all of its courts and tribunals. We want to make it easier for people with disabilities to get assistance when attending court.
Why people go to court
People go to court for many different reasons including:
What to expect when you attend a Court or a Tribunal
Courts
There are three main courts in NSW:
- Local Court - most cases that come before a court are heard here by a Magistrate
- District Court - serious cases are heard by a judge and jury
- Supreme Court - the most serious cases such as murder are generally heard by a Supreme court judge and a jury.
There are other courts and tribunals in NSW that deal with other matters.
Security and Safety
Sheriffs officers provide security in courts to make sure courts are a safe place for every one. While they may look like police, they are not.
Many courts use walk through metal detectors and xray machines to check bags just like at the airport. The sheriffs office can provide you with more information on court security and what you can and can not bring to court.
If you are scared about seeing the person who hurt you at court you should tell someone who works at the court or a sheriffs officer. They will help you find somewhere safe to stay until your case is called.
In cases of domestic violence, support services will usually be available at the court. Contact the Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme to find your nearest court support service.
The Director of Public Prosecutions provides a witness assistance service for all matters they are involved in. These matters are normally serious cases that can be heard by a judge and jury. Find out more about the Witness Assistance Service.
Disability Access
If you require disability access to any courthouse, please contact the court you will be attending. It is important you discuss with staff why you will be visiting the courthouse and your specific disability access requirements or potential reasonable adjustments. Some areas of the courthouse may not be accessible but staff will do their best to assist you. Some examples of reasonable adjustments can include large print, Auslan interpreters and the use of a support person.
Client's attending court who require reasonable adjustments to our services are encouraged to advise staff by indicating the adjustment required on our Request for Court Assistance brochure.
Time
For all courts it is important that you turn up to court on time.If using public transport to get to court contact the Transport Infoline131500 ( Greater Sydney only) to find out about accessible routes and times. In regional areas contact your local transport service. You should ensure you are not late for court as the court can deal with your case with out you. This means the court may make orders against you.
As courts are very busy you may have to wait and it is important that you do not leave until your case has been heard. You should speak to the court officer to let them know that you are waiting for your case to be called. Once your case has been heard check with the office to find out about the orders that have been made by the court and to sign documents.
In Court
In court when speaking to the magistrate or the judge you should refer to them as 'your honour'. This is just one of the rules about respecting the court's authority. If the court requires you to give evidence (that is tell the court what happened) you will be asked whether you want to give an oath or an affirmation. You will need to decide if you want to make an oath or an affirmation. An oath is swearing to tell the truth by referring to God. An affirmation is swearing to tell the truth but not referring to God or any religious beliefs.
A video has been developed to assist people with cognitive disabilities that are required to attend a local court as a witness or a defendant. The video “ So you have to go to court!” describes who is who in the local court (PDF 118kb) , how the court works and things you need to remember if you are a witness or a defendant. Please note: the PDF versions may require you to install Adobe Reader on your computer. Download the reader from the Adobe website.
“So you have to go to court!” video can be viewed online or downloaded as a podcast. Support agencies in NSW can contact Diversity Services for a free copy of the DVD and resource kit.
There are many complex legal terms that are used in court. The courtwise dictionary provides a list of words often used.
For people who are Deaf, the NSW Deaf Society has produced legal information in Auslan which is available on their website. |
People with disabilities and jury duty
A number of trial courts provide disability access facilities for jurors. The Department of Attorney General & Justice is working to modify trial courts throughout NSW to provide wheelchair access to trial courts where juries regularly sit .
If you have a disability, and are summoned to attend court as juror, call the Sheriff’s office at the court which you are required to attend to discuss disability access for jurors. Wherever possible the Sheriff will arrange for reasonable adjustments to allow people with disability to fully participate as jurors.Hearing loops
To assist people who have hearing impairments overcome the variations in court room acoustics the Department uses portable infra-red systems . These are similar to hearing loops but ensure that the information stays within the courtroom. To find out how staff can assist you by ordering the infra-red system download our brochure entitled Can you hear in the courtroom? Community justice
Community Justice Centres provide mediation and conflict management services to help people resolve disputes without going to court. Mediators work to resolve disputes between neighbours, within families, workplaces and in larger communities. This service is free, confidential and available throughout New South Wales.Legal assistance and support
Below are links to legal information and support services which may be of assistance.
Department of Attorney General & Justice:
|
Other Government Departments:
Non-Government Organisations
|
 |
|
|
|
