Guide to virtual court sessions

What is a virtual court session

A virtual court session is one that is conducted via video conferencing.

Selected court sessions in the State Courts, Family Justice Courts and Supreme Court are held virtually. The court will inform you if your court session will be held via video conferencing.

Who can attend a virtual court session

You can attend a virtual court session if you are a party involved in the case. All virtual court sessions take place as if the parties are in court.

Note: If you are self-represented, ensure that you have your identification document ready to present to the court via the webcam, so that the court can verify your identity.

You should inform the court if there are any other persons present with you at the virtual court session, even if they are not captured in the video. No one should attend the virtual court session if the court is not aware of their presence.

Prepare for your virtual court session

For self-represented litigants:

For lawyers:

Each court has specific guidelines that parties must follow.

Refer to the resources by the court that your case is heard in:

Where to set up your session

Select an indoor, private and quiet location to participate in the virtual court session, preferably without the presence of children or pets. You should not be outdoors or at a location where other persons who are not parties to the case may listen to the court session.

Be mindful of the backdrop to be shown on screen. Choose a plain backdrop, such as a plain wall, window or blinds.

Naming conventions

The court will only admit you into the virtual court session if you comply with the the respective court's naming convention for your display name.

Refer to the naming convention set out in the court notice or correspondence you received for the virtual court session.

At your virtual court session

You should dress and behave in the same way you would if you were to attend a court session physically, except that you do not need to stand or bow towards the State Crest or judge at the start or end of the session, or stand when addressing the court.

What to wear for your virtual court session

You should dress neatly and appropriately as though you are appearing in court in person:

• Do: dress in smart casual wear, office wear, or traditional dress.
• Do not: wear indecent or offensive clothing, such as singlets or revealing clothing, or be shirtless.

If you are not dressed appropriately, you will not be allowed to participate in the virtual court session.

Conduct for your virtual court session

Follow these guidelines during the virtual court session:

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