Preparing for court: What to expect? What to wear?

Your court date is approaching, and you’re probably worried sick. What do I wear? How long will I be there? What if I say the wrong thing? These questions may keep you up at night, but courts aren’t as terrifying as they seem once you understand how they work. This guide gives you everything you need: what to wear to court, proper courtroom etiquette, and exactly what happens from the moment you arrive. For specific advice on your case, consult a qualified solicitor who specialises in your area of law.

Types of court proceedings in the UK

Not all courts are the same, and knowing which one you’re attending changes everything about your day:

1. Magistrates’ court handles most criminal cases in England and Wales. You’ll appear here first for less serious criminal offences like theft, minor assault, or driving violations. Three magistrates (or one district judge) hear your case in a smaller, more informal setting; no wigs, no jury.
2. Youth court is a specialised magistrates’ court for defendants aged 10-17. It operates with restricted public access to protect young people’s identities and follows a less intimidating format.
3. Crown court is where serious indictable offences go; think robbery, fraud, or violent crimes. If your magistrates’ case is too serious, it gets sent here. The judge wears robes and a wig, barristers argue both sides, and a jury of 12 decides guilt. The courtroom is larger and formal, with stricter crown court dress code
4. Family court handles divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, and domestic matters privately. It’s less formal than criminal courts.

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The court day: Timeline and key events

Your court day starts earlier than you think:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Court buildings have airport-style security: bag searches, metal detectors, ID checks. Find your courtroom number on the electronic boards, then locate your solicitor or report to the usher. Waiting areas get busy and noisy.
• How long does court last in a day? Most courts sit from 10am to 4:30pm with a lunch break around 1pm. You might be there all day even if your case is brief. Your case could be called anytime depending on the court list.
• How long does a court hearing last? A guilty plea with sentencing takes 20-30 minutes. Contested trials stretch over several hours or days. How long does magistrates’ court hearing last? Simple matters like bail applications wrap up in 30 minutes to an hour, while summary trials take 2-4 hours.

What happens inside the court room

Walking into the court room reveals a clear hierarchy:

• The judge or magistrates sit at the front on an elevated bench. The clerk of the court sits below them. Barristers or solicitors sit at tables facing the bench; prosecution on one side, defence on the other. As a defendant, you sit in the dock (a boxed area, sometimes with security). Witnesses use the witness box. The public gallery sits at the back. Ushers call cases and maintain order.
• The clerk calls your case and confirms your identity. Charges are read aloud. The prosecution presents first. Your defence responds, cross-examining witnesses. If giving evidence, you swear an oath, then answer questions from both sides.
• As a defendant, stand when the judge enters or exits, when addressed directly, and when the verdict or sentence is announced. Speak only when asked.

What to wear to court: Dress code guidance

What to wear to court directly affects how judges perceive you. The dress code for court is conservative and respectful:

• What to wear to court male UK: dark trousers, collared shirt, tie with blazer or suit jacket, polished leather shoes.
• What to wear to court female UK: Knee-length skirts or tailored trousers with modest blouse or smart jumper, closed-toe shoes with low heels.

The crown court dress code demands higher formality. A full suit is expected for both men and women. Common mistakes: sportswear, ripped clothing, flip-flops, baseball caps, or hoodies.

What to take to court for sentencing UK

What to take to court for sentencing UK can mean the difference between walking out or being taken into custody unprepared:

• Bring photo ID (passport or driving licence), your court summons, character references, employment letters, or medical evidence.
• Include any prescription medication with original packaging; custody staff need this if you’re remanded.
• If sentencing might result in custody, bring spare underwear, basic toiletries, and emergency contact numbers.

What not to bring: Knives, scissors, sharp objects, large bags, alcohol, drugs, expensive jewellery, or chewing gum.

Courtroom etiquette: How to conduct yourself

Courtroom etiquette separates defendants who help their case from those who sabotage it:

• Speak only when directly asked. Never interrupt anyone. If you need to communicate during proceedings, write a note and pass it to your legal representative. Keep responses brief and factual.
• Address district judges and circuit judges as “Your Honour.” Address magistrates as “Your Worship” or “Sir” or “Madam.” Never use first names or casual language.
• Body language matters. Stand straight when the judge enters. Keep hands visible. No slouching, eye-rolling, sighing, or head-shaking. Maintain neutral facial expressions. No chewing gum, eating, or drinking unless water is provided.

What will be expected from you as a defendant

The court expects specific behaviour, and failing to meet these expectations damages your case:

• Arrive on time. Lateness can result in a warrant for your arrest. Check in with your solicitor immediately.
• When your case is called, enter the courtroom calmly and take your position in the dock. Stand when instructed and confirm your name, address, and date of birth clearly.
• If entering a plea, speak loudly: “Guilty, Your Honour” or “Not guilty, Your Honour”; nothing more. Throughout proceedings, maintain silence unless addressed. Listen carefully to everything said.
• Answer honestly; lying under oath is perjury. Speak clearly, pause before answering, and address responses to the judge or magistrates. Admit when you don’t know something.

FAQs

Can I bring my child to court with me UK?

No, children under 14 shouldn’t attend due to distressing content and long waits. If you have no childcare, inform your solicitor; courts may accommodate with separate waiting areas.

How old do you have to be to watch a court case UK?

No minimum age, but youth courts are closed to the public. Other courts allow access, though judges can exclude young children who may disrupt proceedings.

Court doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With proper preparation, knowing what to wear to court, understanding courtroom etiquette, and arriving ready, you’ll navigate proceedings confidently. Remember: respect, punctuality, and professionalism matter as much as your legal defence.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Understand the court process before you arrive. Different courts have different formalities, and how long does a court hearing last varies from 30 minutes to several days depending on your case.
• Dress appropriately and bring essential documents. Follow the dress code for court with conservative clothing, and pack what to take to court for sentencing UK including photo ID and court summons.
• Master courtroom etiquette. Speak only when asked, address judges properly, and maintain respectful body language; your conduct directly impacts how judges perceive you.