Going to court
Information for defendants and witnesses in the Queensland courts.
Witnesses
Witnesses are a vital part of Queensland's justice system. Their evidence helps the magistrate or jury and judge determine the truth and make a fair decision.
Defendants
A defendant, also known as the accused, is someone that has been charged with a criminal offence
Courts in Queensland
The role of the Queensland courts is to decide if the defendant is guilty of the charges and if so, what the penalty will be. Queensland has three levels of state courts, Magistrates Court, District Court and Supreme Court.
Inside the courtroom
Information about what happens inside a courtroom and courtroom protocols.
What happens in court
Find out what happens in the courts and how they operate.
Sentencing
If a defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty, the magistrate or judge may decide on the sentence at the end of the hearing or trial, or adjourn the proceedings and set a date for a sentence hearing
Bail
Bail is a promise to come back to court for the trial or sentence. In some cases the magistrate may release the defendant on bail.
Appeals
In an appeal, he judges listen to the arguments by the opposing sides and decide whether an error of law was made or some crucial fact was overlooked in the original hearing.
Support after court
There are a range of organisations that can help both defendants and victims of crime after a hearing.
Virtual tour
Our virtual court tours provide an overview of the people in the courtroom, video blogs from people who work in the courts and a series of videos about the courts.