Courtroom technology and security

Many courts have airport-style security at the entrance to prevent unauthorised items being taken into the Court premises.

When you enter a Courthouse that has security checking, you may be required to place all of your belongings on the baggage scanner. You may need to go through a walk-through metal detector and may also be scanned with a hand-held metal detector.

Temporary and random scanning operations are held from time to time in Courts without permanent screening points.

You may also be required to undergo a personal search and remove face coverings for identification purposes.

The Court Security Act 2005 provides for security of Courts and powers of security officers. Not complying with lawful directions given by a Sheriff’s Officer or other security officer under this Act may be an offence.

Unauthorised Items

Items that cannot be brought into a Courthouse include weapons, things that could be used as weapons or that could conceal weapons. It is an offence to bring firearms, knives, and prohibited weapons into a Courthouse. Knives and other weapons will be confiscated and handed to police. It is an offence to be in possession of a knife in a public place without a legitimate excuse.

Sheriff’s or security officers may hold other items, which are not authorised, until you leave the premises.

These include:

Tools, such as screwdrivers, spanners and hammers
Scissors and other sharp items
Motorcycle helmets
Syringes, which you do not have medical authority to use

These items will be returned to you when you leave the Courthouse.

People attending Court are also not permitted to take alcohol onto Court premises.

Security Threats

Threats, including comments made about carrying weapons or explosives or intentions to cause damage or harm, will be taken seriously and entry to the building may be refused. Sheriff’s Officers may call the Police, and they may bring charges against you.

Use of Mobile Phones, Cameras and Recording Equipment

It is an offence to take photographs or to use audio recording devices in Courtrooms and Court premises. Permission to use these devices must be sought from a Judicial Officer.

Mobile phones must not disrupt Court proceedings.

Audio Visual Link (AVL)

Audio-Visual Link (AVL) is a form of video conferencing using cameras and television screens, that allows two-way communication to a remote location. AVL in the Local Court is primarily used to conduct bail hearings for defendants, however, is also used to take evidence from witnesses not able to attend the location.

Remote Witness Facilities

Remote Witness Facilities (RWF) uses a form of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) to allow witnesses to give evidence from a location outside the Courtroom. The witness can see, hear and participate in the Court proceedings, but does not sit in the Courtroom. The use of RWF can assist victims of crime and vulnerable persons feel safer when giving evidence as they are not in the Courtroom with the offender. Remote witness facilities allow vulnerable witnesses, such as children or victims of sexual assault and/or domestic and family violence, to give evidence from a room that is separate from the Courtroom.

Anyone who has concerns about giving evidence in a Courtroom should speak to the prosecutor or their lawyer about making a request to use remote witness facilities.

Electronic evidence

Increasingly, evidence produced in court proceedings is in an electronic format. The list below provides information on the equipment available for evidence playback within regional New South Wales courtrooms. The circular provides the standards for the format of electronic evidence, and the final document provides more detailed advice on preparation for the presentation of electronic evidence.

It is the responsibility of the parties to an action to ensure that their electronic evidence is compatible with the courtroom playback equipment.