Magistrates Standard List explained
Short answer: The Magistrates Standard List is another daily schedule of cases for a magistrates' court, published on the official HMCTS service alongside the public list. What each version shows can differ, so check the official service for exactly what is included. On this site, we only show allowed columns and never defendants' names.
You may notice that the official service offers more than one list for the same magistrates’ court. This page explains where the Magistrates Standard List fits, how to use it alongside the public list, and what to do if you are trying to find a hearing.
What the Magistrates Standard List is
Magistrates’ courts publish lists of the cases they expect to hear. The Standard List is one of the list types HM Courts & Tribunals Service publishes through its Court and Tribunal Hearings service. It sits alongside the Magistrates Public List and describes the same court, usually the same day.
We do not repeat the official definition here, because it can change and the official service is the authority. If you need to know exactly which details the standard list contains, open it on the official service and read its description.
Why there is more than one list
We do not know the official reason for each list, and we do not want to guess. In general, different readers need different amounts of detail, and the courts must follow the law on privacy. The practical result is that the lists for one court can look slightly different, so always check the version that applies to you.
How to use both lists
| If you want to… | Do this |
|---|---|
| Find a hearing quickly | Start with the public list |
| Check more detail about the day | Read the standard list, if available |
| Confirm what the court expects | Compare both lists with the screens in the building |
| Be certain | Ask the court, or your solicitor |
What you might see
The columns on any magistrates’ court list are broadly similar.
| Column | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Courtroom | The room where the hearing is expected |
| Time | When the court expects to sit, not a guarantee |
| Case reference | The number that identifies the case |
| Hearing type | The kind of hearing, such as first appearance, trial or sentence |
| Case or offence information | A short description, where provided |
You may not see all of these on every list. If you meet a phrase you do not know, use our court list decoder.
What this site does with the list
We read the official lists and keep only an allowlist of columns, such as time, case reference and hearing type. Names, ages, addresses and free-text notes are dropped, and never stored. We skip youth and restricted entries, and remove entries on request. Read how we get our lists to see the full approach.
Finding your hearing
- Copy your case reference from your letter.
- Check the court’s page on this site, or use search by case reference.
- Compare the result with the official service.
- Look at the screens when you arrive.
If your hearing is missing, read why isn’t my case listed?. The cause is often harmless, such as a late addition.
For journalists and researchers
Journalists often need extra detail. The official service and the court’s listing office are the right places to ask, and you should check for reporting restrictions before publishing. Our guide for court reporters explains the basics.
When lists change
Cases can be added, moved or removed at short notice, and no list is a promise. Courts update their lists during the day, and we check them regularly, but we may be behind. If something matters, confirm it with the official service or the court. Read when are court lists published? for the timing.
Understanding the hearing
Once you have found your courtroom, our guide to a magistrates’ court explains what will happen. To plan the day, use the hearing day planner, and to find your court, visit the magistrates’ courts directory.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the public and standard lists?
Both are schedules of magistrates' court cases, published for different purposes. The exact details each shows can differ, and the official service is the authority. Check it directly if the detail matters.
Which list should I look at to find my hearing?
Start with the public list and your court letter. If you cannot find your case, try the standard list, then contact the court.
Do you show names from the standard list?
No. This website only keeps an allowlist of columns and never stores or shows defendants' first names, whichever list we read.
Can I rely on this page for legal decisions?
No. This is a general explainer. Rely on your court paperwork, the official service and your solicitor.