Can I represent myself at a magistrates court?

Overview. You have the right to speak for yourself in court without a solicitor or other legal professional. You may choose to do this because: you think it’s better to talk directly to the judge, jury or magistrates yourself.

How do you speak in a magistrates court?

How to address people in court

Call the Magistrate ‘Your Honour’, ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’.
Call others in the courtroom (such as lawyers and witnesses) by their title and surname; for example, Mrs Citizen.
Be polite. Do not be critical or offensive to people in court.

How to represent yourself in the Magistrates Court?

This is a short article designed to help people who are representing themselves in the Magistrates’ Court. It is not aimed at advocates – they get their own training.

Do you have a right to represent yourself in a legal case?

You have a right to represent yourself (appear “pro se”) in any kind of legal case. You will be expected to know and follow the rules just as lawyers are. If you do not follow the rules that apply in your case, the court may not be allowed to give you what you want, even if it makes sense.

What do you call someone who wants to represent themselves in court?

If you’re considering representing yourself because you cannot afford legal costs, check if you can get legal aid instead. You’ll be known as a ‘litigant in person’ if you represent yourself. You’ll also be known as an ‘applicant’, ‘respondent’ or ‘defendant’ depending on whether your case is heard in a family,…

Can a criminal case be heard in the Magistrates Court?

Some offences can only be heard in the Magistrates Court – known as ‘summary only offences’, and so for this type of offence, the trial will always be in the Magistrates Court. For the more serious offences – known as ‘either way’ offences – the court will guide you through what is known as the ‘plea before venue’ procedure.

This is a short article designed to help people who are representing themselves in the Magistrates’ Court. It is not aimed at advocates – they get their own training.

How to represent yourself in a civil case?

Anything you have not served on the other side but want to use in court. If you have exhibits (like photos or letters you want to show the court), you must mark each one with a label (Exhibit 1, etc.) and make sure they are organized. Act professionally in court.

Where can I get help with representing myself?

Do research at the local public law library and ask for help at your court’s self-help center, family law facilitator, or small claims legal advisor. If you can, have a consultation with a lawyer to make sure you are on the right track. Look at the options that would solve your problem without having to go to court.

Is it difficult to represent yourself in court?

Representing yourself can be difficult. You may have to put off daily commitments and organise time to prepare for your case. Attending court and watching a similar case to yours can be a good way of understanding the court process. Court staff – called registrars – can explain how the court system works, but they cannot provide legal advice.