What to expect at a Crown Court
Short answer: The Crown Court hears serious criminal cases, usually with a judge and a jury. Expect a security check at the door, a lot of waiting and a full day. Arrive early, bring your court letter and photo ID, and check which courtroom you need as soon as you are inside.
Going to court for the first time can feel daunting, mostly because nobody explains what the day will actually be like. This guide walks you through a normal Crown Court visit, from the front door to the courtroom. It is general information, not legal advice. If your court letter or your solicitor says something different, follow that.
Before you go: a quick checklist
- Re-read your court letter for the court name, address and time.
- Pack photo ID, your court letter and any papers your solicitor asked for.
- Plan to arrive well before your start time, because security queues can be long.
- Keep the court’s phone number and your solicitor’s number on your phone.
- Bring water, a snack and something to read. Waiting is normal.
What the Crown Court is
The Crown Court deals with the most serious criminal cases in England and Wales. There are more than seventy Crown Court centres, and some share a building with the county court.
Most cases begin in a magistrates’ court and are sent up to the Crown Court when they are too serious for the magistrates to decide. The two courts differ in several ways:
| Magistrates’ court | Crown Court | |
|---|---|---|
| Cases | Less serious crimes | The most serious crimes, plus sentencing and appeals |
| Who decides | Magistrates (trained volunteers) or a district judge | A jury of twelve decides guilt; the judge decides the sentence |
| Pace | Many short hearings in a day | Fewer, longer hearings; trials can last weeks |
If your case is at the lower court, read our guide to a magistrates’ court instead.
Your day, step by step
- Arrive and queue. Court buildings open to the public in the morning, and queues form at the entrance.
- Go through security. Staff will check your bag and may ask you to walk through a scanner, much like at an airport. Our security checks guide lists what you can and cannot bring.
- Find your courtroom. Look for screens or boards showing the day’s cases, or ask a member of staff. See how to find your courtroom.
- Check in. Defendants and witnesses usually tell the usher (the court’s greeter and guide) that they have arrived. Visitors can go straight to the public gallery.
- Wait. Start times are estimates. Earlier cases can overrun, and lawyers often need extra time to speak to their clients.
- The hearing. When your case is called, you go in or are called in, and the hearing begins.
- Breaks. The judge will take a lunch break and short breaks. If you are part of the case, tell your solicitor or the usher before you leave the building.
Who you will meet
| Person | What they do |
|---|---|
| Judge | Runs the hearing, explains the law to the jury and passes sentence after a guilty verdict |
| Jury | Twelve members of the public who decide whether the defendant is guilty |
| Prosecution lawyer | Presents the case against the defendant, usually for the Crown Prosecution Service |
| Defence lawyer | Speaks for the defendant and tests the prosecution evidence |
| Court clerk | Sits below the judge, keeps the court record and swears in witnesses |
| Usher | Helps people find the right room and tells them when they are needed |
| Security officers | Screen people at the entrance and keep order |
Judges and barristers may wear wigs and gowns. It is traditional dress, so there is no need to be alarmed.
Behaving in the courtroom
Do
- Stand when the judge comes in or leaves, and when the usher asks you to.
- Switch your phone off or to silent.
- Listen quietly and keep your reactions calm.
- Use “Your Honour” for a circuit judge or “My Lord” or “My Lady” for a High Court judge, unless your lawyer or the usher suggests otherwise.
Do not
- Take photographs, film or record anything in the courtroom.
- Speak to the jury, witnesses or the defendant.
- Eat or drink in the room, unless the judge allows it.
Hearings you may see on the list
Court lists use short phrases that are not always obvious. These are the most common ones:
- Plea and trial preparation hearing: the defendant says whether they are guilty or not guilty, and the judge sets a timetable.
- Trial: the evidence is heard, then the jury gives its verdict.
- Sentence: the judge decides the punishment after a guilty plea or verdict.
- Mention or review: a short hearing to deal with a practical point or check progress.
- Bail application: a request about whether the defendant waits for the trial at home or in custody.
Paste a line from a list into our court list decoder to have the jargon explained, or read how the Crown Court lists are laid out.
If you are attending as…
A defendant
Speak to your solicitor before the day so you know what to expect, and never ignore a court date. Our guide going to court as a defendant explains the steps.
A witness
You will wait away from the courtroom until you are called. Support is available from the Citizens Advice Witness Service. See attending court as a witness.
A member of the public
Most hearings are open to everyone, which is called open justice. Some are private or restricted. Our public gallery guide explains how to watch.
Help and access needs
Tell the court as early as you can if you use a wheelchair, need an interpreter, or feel very anxious about attending. Courts can often arrange step-free access, interpreters and a quiet place to wait. A call a few days before is much better than raising it on the day.
Plan your arrival
Our hearing day planner works out when to arrive and gives you a calendar reminder. To find your court’s address and hearing list, browse the Crown Courts directory.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Crown Court hearing last?
It depends on the type of hearing. A short hearing can take minutes, a sentencing hearing is often under an hour, and a trial can last days or weeks. Hearings often start later than the listed time, so plan for a full day unless the court has told you otherwise.
What should I wear to a Crown Court?
There is no official dress code for visitors. Smart, plain clothes are a sensible choice, and defendants and witnesses are often advised to dress neatly. Avoid clothing with slogans that could offend.
Can I take my phone into a Crown Court?
Usually yes, but it must be switched off or on silent in the courtroom. You must not take photographs or record anything in court. Some courts ask witnesses to leave phones outside the room.
What is the difference between the Crown Court and a magistrates' court?
A magistrates' court deals with less serious crimes and is run by magistrates or a district judge. The Crown Court deals with the most serious crimes, with a judge and jury, and with sentencing for serious offences.
How do I find out which courtroom my case is in?
Check the hearing list for the day, look at the screens or notice boards inside the building, or ask the court staff or usher. Our guide on finding your courtroom explains each step.