Who will be in court

• The magistrate (makes decisions about your case); 
• The police prosecutor (tells the court what you are supposed to have done);  
• The Lawyer (tells the court what you have to say about the allegations);  
• Someone from court services or youth justice services (tells the court anything they know about you on issues such as bail and sentence); 
• The court clerk (keeps a record of the court proceedings). 

Who could be in court

• Your parent or another adult relative;  
• If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and you would like someone from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child welfare agency with you; 
• A person who can assist the court, such as a relative or family friend, youth worker if the court allows; 
• The victim of the crime and their representative; 
• A relative of a deceased victim and their representative; 
• A person from an accredited media entity e.g. a reporter or journalist; 
• Any witnesses (are asked to come to court to say what they know about the case).

What is the role of your lawyer?

The lawyer can explain: 

• your charges (what laws the police say that you have broken); 
• what the police say happened; 
• how the court works; 
• your choices and make sure you understand them; and 
• what is happening and what is likely to happen. 

The lawyer asks you (not your parents, carers or Youth Justice Services) what you want to tell the court. Your lawyer tells the Magistrate what you want the Magistrate to know about you and your charges. The lawyer cannot tell anyone information you tell them (including your parents/carers) unless you agree. 

What is the role of youth justice in court? 

Someone from Youth Justice Services (YJS) should be at court. The YJS Officer may want to talk to you before you go into court. Any information you tell the YJS Officer may be later told to the court even if you do not want this to happen. If you are going to tell the court you are not guilty you should not discuss the facts about the charges with the YJS Officer. In general, the YJS Officer will tell the court about your background and any previous contact you have had with them.  When bail is being considered the YJS Officer may be able to assist the Magistrate with information about accommodation or some other support for you.  The YJS Officer does not speak for you or the police. 

What is the role of a support person? 

Your parents are allowed to go into court even if this is not what you want. The Magistrate may allow another person to also support you in court. Tell the lawyer and they can ask the Magistrate. The support person can be a youth worker, friend or relative who is over 18. A support person may help you understand the court process. It is important not to discuss your matter with other people before checking with your lawyer. 

What should I wear to court? 

It is important that you have a clean and neat appearance. This shows that you are taking court seriously. Remember, you want to give the best impression you can. It is not expected that you will buy clothes to go to court. You might think of: 

• taking your hat and sunglasses off; 
• not wearing singlets, thongs, midriffs, swimwear, see-through clothing; 
• not wearing clothing that has inappropriate slogans or encourage breaking the law; 
• wearing footwear; 
• wearing your school uniform; 
• covering or removing facial or visible piercings; and 
• covering tattoos. 

What should I do in court? 

It is important that you treat the court with respect. You should pay attention to what is being said in court. You should not interrupt others, shout or laugh in court. If you want to make a point about something tell your lawyer quietly. You should address the Magistrate as “Your Honour” or “Sir” or “Miss”. When the Magistrate is speaking to you, you should stand. You cannot take food or drink into court.