Going to court (as a spectating member of the public)

DA7800

Hi all,

I did a quick search for what I was looking for and didn't really find the answers, so I decided to create a new thread.

I want to observe court proceedings to help me decide if I should consider law for study at third level. Since I'm in the middle of Summer holidays and have little else to do I decided that now would be a good time. I would be looking to go to a court in Cork if it helps.

Just a few questions:

Is there a specific day or time that court commences or is it on concurrently for a set period? i.e. Would court be in session 9-5 Monday through Friday and if so, can I go and watch during that time whenever I wanted to?

Do I have to notify anyone about what I'm doing in the courthouse when I get there, or can I just go in and look for the public gallery myself?

If I do have to notify anyone that I intend to view court proceedings, should I ring in advance?

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

Pro Hoc Vice

Well some interesting questions. But in answer:

Cork District Court, Anglesea street has 3 public Courts sitting from 10:30 to 1 then usually 2 to 4. Court 1 is the busiest court but 2 and 3 can have interesting cases running as court 1 usually deals with guilty pleas, in Anglesea Street it's only crime so interesting there is a family court but that will be in camera.

Just turn up go sit in any court turn phone off and sit back and observe.

Court house in Washinton Street currently has High Court Personal Injuries cases till end of next week, courts 1 and 2 again should be same times as above. There as District Civil Cases also not sure of days and Circuit Court cases family (again private) and civil at the moment I think there is a week of circuit crime at end of month.

All courts will be closed for August with only the District returning in September.

DA7800

Thank you both for your answers, I think I will go and watch next week.

Just one more question, as I'm unfamiliar with the layout of a courtroom: Is there a specific door/access to the public gallery seating or does a courtroom have one door of entry where all apart from the judge/court staff come through?

notabasicb

Give a quick nod of the head to the judge when you walk in and leave if the proceedings are still going on.

MarkAnthony

Once proceedings finish and the judge rises they'll be various people milling about. Don't be afraid to approach them and ask the questions. I did when starting my degree. Most are delighted to help.

Obviously try and make sure it's court staff or a barrister. You'll know because of the uber capes. Frankly capes did it for me!

coylemj

DA7800 wrote: »

... does a courtroom have one door of entry where all apart from the judge/court staff come through?

Yes, that is almost always the case - lawyers, defendants, witnesses, Gardai, journalists and the public go in the same door and you will usually find yourself at the rear of the court room. Sit close to the rear if the public benches are on ground floor level, otherwise if there is a stairs up to a public gallery then go there and sit where you like. Don't wear any headgear, don't record anything and keep quiet.

The judge and the court staff typically enter the court room from the other end of the chamber, a door on one side of the 'bench' - the judge's chair.

hullaballoo

Also, remember that you're not going to a picnic so leave the latte down in the cafe.

The_Minister

MarkAnthony wrote: »

Once proceedings finish and the judge rises they'll be various people milling about. Don't be afraid to approach them and ask the questions. I did when starting my degree. Most are delighted to help.

Obviously try and make sure it's court staff or a barrister. You'll know because of the uber capes. Frankly capes did it for me!

Just to add - use cop on if asking for help - never chat to someone with a stressed look on their face - we may be thinking about how to find and print 10 cases before the end of lunch.

MarkAnthony

The_Minister wrote: »

Just to add - use cop on if asking for help - never chat to someone with a stressed look on their face - we may be thinking about how to find and print 10 cases before the end of lunch.

Justis :pac:

NUTLEY BOY

And for God's sake, as well as your own, turn off your mobile phone

NUTLEY BOY

P.S. I think that the High Court might be sitting in Cork up to 17 July. That would be worth seeing too.

Check this link to the Courts Service about provincial sittings

http://www.courts.ie/courts.ie/library3.nsf/16c93c36d3635d5180256e3f003a4580/b0e74d99c0af876b80256fe8003c0329?OpenDocument