If you come to a court

When you come to court you will find the following:

  • Public offices that are generally open from 9.30am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm (3.45pm on Fridays), although you may wish to check times with your local sheriff court
  • Clearly marked reception or information points
  • Clear signs to help you get around
  • Lists of cases to be heard displayed clearly on noticeboards (some electronic)
  • Clean, adequate and comfortable accommodation
  • Recent reading material in witness rooms
  • Public telephone(s)
  • Sufficient, clean toilets
  • In all but the smallest courts, refreshment facilities for all or part of the day and toys for children
  • Disabled access, where possible, to the main public areas of every courthouse
  • Induction loops and sound-enhancement systems in most courtrooms, to help people with hearing difficulties
  • Guidance leaflets covering a range of court-related procedures. A number of these are now available in various minority languages, braille, on audiotape and in large print