How to find your courtroom on the day
Short answer: Check the court and building named on your paperwork, then look for your case on the day's list. Inside, find your case by its reference number on the screens or boards, or ask court staff. Tell the usher you have arrived, and expect your courtroom to change if the court is busy.
Court buildings can be confusing, with several floors, many courtrooms and a lot of people hurrying about. The good news is that finding your room is straightforward when you know where to look. This guide covers what to do before you travel, what to do on arrival and how to read a court list.
The simple route
- Confirm the court and address on your paperwork.
- Allow time to pass security.
- Look at the screens or boards for your case reference or hearing time.
- Go to the courtroom shown, or ask staff.
- Tell the usher that you have arrived if you are asked to.
Before you travel
Check the court named on your paperwork. If the town has more than one court building, make sure you have the right one. Each page in our courts directory shows the address and details. You can also use the court finder to search by name, town or postcode.
You can also look at the day’s list in advance:
- Open the court’s page to see the published list.
- Search by case reference on our search page.
- Confirm on the official service, which is the authority.
Lists can be updated, so check again on the morning of your hearing.
On the day, inside the building
- Go through security. See our security checks guide.
- Look for display screens or notice boards. They usually show the day’s cases by courtroom.
- Search by reference number. Names are often not displayed.
- Ask at the information desk if you cannot find your case, or if the list is not on display.
- Go to the courtroom and look for the usher.
- Check in. The usher will want to know you are there.
How to read a court list
Court lists look dense at first, but they follow a pattern. A typical entry contains these parts:
| Column | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Court or courtroom | The room where the hearing will take place |
| Time | When the court expects to start. Your case may be called later |
| Case reference | The number that identifies your case |
| Hearing type | What is happening, such as a plea hearing, sentence or trial |
| Judge or bench | Who is expected to hear it |
Different lists have different columns. Our list explainers describe each type, including the Crown Court daily list and the magistrates’ public list. If a hearing type confuses you, paste it into the court list decoder.
Why the listed time may not be exact
A listed time is when the court expects to sit. Cases can start late because earlier hearings overrun, lawyers need time with their clients, or papers are not ready. Several cases are often listed for the same time, and they are called in turn. Stay nearby, and keep your solicitor informed of where you are.
What if your case is not on the list?
There are many harmless reasons, such as a late addition or a private hearing. Check with the usher or information desk first. Our guide why isn’t my case listed? lists the most common reasons, and when are court lists published? explains the timing.
If you are lost or late
- Ask any court officer or security guard for directions.
- Phone the court if you are delayed, and tell your solicitor.
- Do not leave the building without telling the usher or your solicitor if you are part of a case.
Big buildings and combined courts
Some court centres house a Crown Court, a magistrates’ court and a county court in the same building, or on the same site. Look carefully at the sign for your court type. If you are unsure, the information desk can direct you. Our pages on Crown Courts and magistrates’ courts list the venues so you can check which one you need.
Common mix-ups
- Two buildings with similar names in the same town, or on opposite sides of a street.
- Court and tribunal buildings that share an address.
- Hearings on different floors, with separate lifts for public and staff.
- A change of courtroom after you have checked the list, so look again just before you go in.
Signs you may see inside
| Sign | What it means |
|---|---|
| Court 1, Court 2 and so on | Individual courtrooms |
| Public gallery | Seating for members of the public |
| Witness waiting area | A separate space for witnesses |
| Jury | An area for jurors, which is not for the public |
| Robing room | Where lawyers change into court dress |
| Cells | Where people in custody wait, which is not open to the public |
If your hearing is by video
Some hearings are held remotely. If that is how yours is listed, the court will send joining instructions. Test your device, camera and internet connection before the day, and join a few minutes early. Dress and behave as you would in person. If you have any problems, phone the court immediately.
Quick checklist for the moment you arrive
- Photo ID and paperwork in your hand.
- Case reference ready to read out.
- Your solicitor’s number on your phone.
- Phone on silent.
- Water within reach.
Help with access needs
Tell the court before the day if you need step-free access, a lift, an interpreter or other support. Staff can guide you to the right floor and room. Witnesses can ask for the Witness Service to meet them.
After you find the room
Take a moment to relax, drink some water and read your papers once more. Our guides to a Crown Court and a magistrates’ court explain what happens next, and going to court as a defendant gives practical steps.
Frequently asked questions
Why can I not find my name on the list?
Public lists often use limited details, and this website never shows defendants' first names, and some rows are fully masked. Look for your case reference number instead, or ask a member of court staff.
What is a case reference number?
It is a number that identifies your case. It is printed on your court paperwork and is sometimes called a URN. Quote it when you contact the court.
What if my courtroom changes?
Courtrooms can change at short notice. Check the screens again before you sit down, and ask the usher if you are unsure. Tell your solicitor where you are.
Who should I ask if I am lost?
Ask any court staff, a security officer or the information desk. They can point you in the right direction. They cannot give legal advice.
What if there are two court buildings in the same town?
Check the address on your paperwork. Some towns have more than one building, so use our court pages to confirm the one you need before you travel.