NSW Courts Resume
NSW Local Courts have resumed their usual sittings for 2021. NSW District and Supreme Courts will resume their usual sittings from 18 January 2021.
However, several restrictions and measures have been put in place in NSW Courts in response to the current COVID-19 situation.
Restrictions on attending courts and tribunals
People will not be allowed into NSW Courts unless they:
- Are a party to a matter
- Require face-to-face services of the registry
- Are a member of a news-media organisation
- Have received a summons to attend court for jury service.
In our experience, the Court is also allowing up to two support persons into Court. This is to support a friend or family member who is going before the Court.
People must not attend a court or a tribunal if they:
- Have returned from overseas in the past 14 days
- Have had contact with a diagnosed or suspected case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- Are feeling unwell or have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
Attending courts and tribunals
If you attend a Court in the Greater Sydney Region (which includes Wollongong) you must ‘check-in’ using the QR code scanner available at the entrance to the Court. You must also comply with physical distancing requirements.
When attending court in the Greater Sydney Region you should wear a mask in all public corridors and waiting areas
In NSW Local Courts you are also strongly encouraged to wear a mask inside a court room.
In NSW District and Supreme Courts in the Greater Sydney region, anyone participating in proceedings will be required to wear a mask in a court room unless:
- Addressing the court or tribunal, for example judges, legal practitioners, or witnesses
- An exemption in the Public Health Order applies
- The presiding Judge exercises their discretion to allow someone in the courtroom not to wear a mask.