Watching a court hearing: the public gallery guide
Short answer: Yes. Most hearings in magistrates' courts and the Crown Court are open to the public, and you do not normally need to book. Go through security, find a courtroom from the day's list and take a seat in the public gallery. You cannot film, record or talk, and some hearings are private.
The idea that justice should be seen to be done is a basic part of the law in England and Wales. It is called open justice, and it means that you can usually walk into a court and watch. This guide explains how to go about it, what the rules are and why a hearing is sometimes closed. It is general information, not legal advice.
The short version
- You can usually watch hearings in magistrates’ courts and the Crown Court.
- You do not need to give a reason, and you normally do not need to book.
- You must go through security, and you cannot take photographs or record.
- Some hearings are private, including youth court and many family cases.
- Be quiet and respectful, because a court is a place of work and a serious setting for the people involved.
Why courts are open
Open justice lets people see how decisions are made and helps to keep the system fair. It also means that anyone can learn how the law works in practice. That is why most hearings welcome visitors, from students and curious neighbours to relatives of those involved.
How to watch a hearing
- Choose a court. Browse our courts directory for addresses and check opening times.
- Decide what you would like to see. A busy Crown Court may have trials. A magistrates’ court usually has many short hearings.
- Arrive in the morning. Courts usually sit from mid-morning, and the first hour is the busiest.
- Go through security. See our security checks guide.
- Find the list. Screens or boards show the cases and courtrooms. Our list explainers show how to read them.
- Ask the usher if you are unsure which room is open or where the public sits.
- Take a seat in the public gallery and wait quietly.
Which hearings are open?
| Type of hearing | Open to the public? |
|---|---|
| Crown Court trials and sentencing | Usually yes |
| Adult magistrates’ court hearings | Usually yes |
| Youth court | No |
| Family court | Often private |
| Hearings under special orders | Sometimes closed or restricted |
| Single Justice Procedure cases | Dealt with on paper, not in a public hearing |
A judge can limit the public’s access in the interests of justice, for example to protect a vulnerable witness or national security. This does not happen often.
What the public gallery rules are
You may:
- Sit quietly and listen.
- Take notes in most courts.
- Leave when you wish, quietly.
You must not:
- Take photographs or video, or record audio.
- Speak, whisper or react in a way that disturbs the hearing.
- Use your phone, even silently, unless the court has said that you can.
- Approach the jury, witnesses or the defendant.
- Eat or drink in the courtroom.
Breaking these rules can lead to you being asked to leave, and some breaches are a contempt of court.
What to expect
You will find that real court is different from television. Hearings can be slow and technical, with plenty of legal language. Cases can start late, and breaks are frequent. The judge may ask for the jury to leave the room for legal discussion. Our guides explain what is going on at a Crown Court and a magistrates’ court.
Use the court list decoder to make sense of the terms you see.
Which court should you visit?
| If you want to see | Try |
|---|---|
| Lots of short, varied hearings in one morning | A magistrates’ court |
| A longer, detailed case with a jury | A Crown Court trial |
| A sentence being passed | Either court, depending on how serious the case is |
| Something very quick | A first appearance in a magistrates’ court |
If you are new to court, a magistrates’ court is a good place to start, because you will usually see several cases in a short time.
Practical tips for visitors
- Check the list first. Open the court’s page on this site to see the list for the day. Times are estimates, and cases can start late, change room or be moved.
- Travel light. Fewer bags make security quicker. Our security guide lists banned items.
- Dress comfortably and neatly. There is no formal dress code, but the setting is serious.
- Bring something for the wait. There may be a gap between cases.
- Ask for help if you need it. Courts can usually arrange step-free access. Contact the building in advance.
- Be flexible. If your chosen case is private or moves, ask the usher what else is open.
Names and privacy
Our website never shows defendants’ first names, and we skip youth and restricted cases. Courts have their own rules about who can be named, and some people are protected by law. If you watch a case and want to talk about it publicly, bear in mind that:
- Victims of sexual offences have lifetime anonymity.
- Children involved in cases are usually protected.
- Reporting restrictions may be in force in some cases.
When in doubt, do not name anyone, and do not post details on social media.
Visiting with a group
Schools, colleges and community groups should contact the court’s staff beforehand. Large groups may need to be split up, and some courts offer talks or visits. Staff can explain what is possible.
Journalists and researchers
Press and researchers have separate arrangements, including a reserved press seat in some courts. Our guide for court reporters explains more.
Supporters
If you are coming to support someone, our guide for family members at court has advice.
Start here
To find a court near you, use our court finder. To check what is happening on a particular day, open the court’s page and read its hearing list.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book to watch a hearing?
Usually not for individual visitors. You can turn up and ask. For groups, such as a school or college visit, contact the court in advance so it can plan seating and security.
Can I take notes?
Notes are generally allowed in the public gallery, but you cannot record audio or video and you must not take photographs. The court may have its own rules, so ask the usher.
Can I leave and come back during a hearing?
Yes, but do it quietly, and wait for a suitable moment. Courts may stop people from entering while a witness is giving evidence in some cases.
Why was I turned away from a hearing?
Some hearings are private, such as youth court cases and many family matters, and a judge can restrict access in other cases. Seating may also be limited in busy trials.
Can I share what I saw online?
You can generally describe what you saw, but not in a way that breaks a reporting restriction or could prejudice a trial. Never name anyone who is protected by law, such as a child or complainant in a sexual offence.