Lawassist - Finding your courtroom

(BEEPING) JASON: Going to the local court is a bit like going to the local hospital. It's something you don't want to do, but sometimes you just have to do it. ANNA: You'll find the time and location on your court attendance notice. Everyone arrives around the same time. Most courts have a security desk. Even the lawyers have to go through here. JASON: There are usually lots of courtrooms in the court building, and it's really important that you find out what court you're supposed to go to. So look for the court listings. These are lists of court numbers and the names of people that have been allocated to that court. Here we are. Renwick, Jason. Look for your name and you'll find out what number court you're in. Get to court early and wait. You can sit inside or outside the court, but don't wander too far. A court officer will call your name when it's time to hear your case. ANNA: Smaller courts might have a court officer sitting at a desk with a list of names. You tell them your name and they tell you what courtroom to go to. -Just up the stairs. -Up that way? Thank you. ANNA: If you're not sure, check in with the court's registry office. All the courts have them. Court 5 is upstairs. -Do you have a case in court today? -Yes. ANNA: At the start of each day, a magistrate or registrar will ask people what they plan to do. For example, plead guilty, plead not guilty or ask for an adjournment so they can get some legal advice. Sergeant. These short sessions are called "mentions". Come forward. JASON: A mention gives them enough information to know how much time each case might take, and then they can work out the best order of things. They might ask if you have representation. That means a lawyer. If you don't, just say no, you're representing yourself. In court language, that makes you a self-represented litigant, or SRL on paperwork. Your matter is adjourned until 4 July. Please just wait there while the officer gives you a note of that date, and ensure that you attend court on that date. -Thank you, Your Honour. -You may go.