Court Listings Today UK

Courts in Wales

Short answer: Wales has Crown Courts in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport, plus magistrates' and county courts across the country. Wales shares a legal system with England, so the same rules apply. You can ask to use Welsh in court, so tell the court beforehand if you would like to.

Courts in Wales at a glance

Type of courtVenues
County Court15
Crown Court3
Family Court1
Magistrates' Court6
Tribunal2

Crown Courts in Wales

Courts in Wales

Wales shares one legal system with England, called the courts of England and Wales. The same criminal and civil law applies, and the same types of court operate. Crown Courts sit in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport in our directory, and there are magistrates’ courts, county courts, family courts and tribunals in many towns across Wales.

Using Welsh

You can ask to use the Welsh language in court proceedings in Wales. Tell the court before your hearing, because it needs time to arrange an interpreter or Welsh-speaking staff. Some court documents and services are available in Welsh, and the official hearing service has Welsh-language versions of some lists. Contact your court to find out what is offered.

Types of court

Type What it handles
Crown Courts Serious criminal cases and sentencing
Magistrates’ courts Less serious criminal cases
County courts Civil disputes
Family courts Children and family matters
Tribunals Specialist disputes

Travelling in Wales

  • South Wales: Cardiff, Newport and Swansea are well served by rail and buses.
  • Mid and North Wales: distances can be long, and public transport can be limited, so plan early.
  • Border areas: some people travel to courts on either side of the border, so check the address on your letter.
  • By car: parking near courts can be limited.

Aim to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your hearing. See security checks at court.

Preparing for the day

Read going to court as a defendant, attending court as a witness or family members at court. Use the hearing day planner to plan.

Places and counties covered

Wales has 22 local authority areas, from Cardiff and Swansea in the south to Gwynedd and Anglesey in the north-west. Our directory lists Crown Courts in Cardiff, Newport and Swansea, and there are magistrates’ and county courts in many towns. In mid and north Wales, distances between towns can be long, and mountain roads can slow journeys.

Practical tips for Wales

  • Tell the court early if you want to use Welsh.
  • Check rail connections, which are limited in some rural areas.
  • Leave a margin for weather, especially in upland areas in winter.
  • Cross-border travel: if you live near the border, check carefully whether your court is in Wales or England.

Hearing lists

Court pages show the latest lists for Crown Courts and magistrates’ courts. See the Crown Daily List and Magistrates Public List explained. The official service is the authority.

All 27 venues in Wales

County Court

Crown Court

Family Court

Magistrates' Court

Tribunal

Frequently asked questions

Is the court system in Wales different from England?

No. England and Wales share one legal system, and the same courts and rules apply, though some services are offered in Welsh.

Can I speak Welsh in court?

In Wales you can ask to use Welsh in court. Tell the court in advance, so it can arrange interpretation and the right staff.

Where are the Crown Courts in Wales?

Our directory lists Crown Courts in Cardiff, Newport and Swansea. Check your letter for the exact court.