Many people view the criminal justice system as a closed world of mahogany panels and secret deliberations. But in the UK, the principle of “Open Justice” means the doors are almost always open to you.
Do you know how the system actually works? Beyond what you see on TV, the process is designed to be transparent. In fact, any member of the public has the right to visit most courts in England and Wales to watch the law in action.
Here is how you can pull back the curtain and see the process for yourself.
Finding Your Way: The Daily Court List
Your journey begins before you even enter a courtroom. Every court building displays a Daily Court List—usually on digital screens in the lobby or printed on notice boards.
This list is your guide to the day’s business. It shows:
- The Case Name: (e.g., R v. Smith)
- The Courtroom Number: Where the hearing is taking place.
- The Type of Hearing: Whether it is a trial, a sentencing, or a preliminary hearing.
By checking the list, you can decide which case peaks your interest before heading through the building.
Security: What to Expect
Safety is a priority in all HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) buildings. When you arrive, you will pass through a security checkpoint similar to an airport.
- The Scanner: You will be asked to walk through a metal detector archway.
- The Wand: A security officer may perform a non-invasive check using a handheld metal detection wand to ensure no prohibited items are brought inside.
- Bag Checks: Your bags will be screened or searched. Note that items like cameras, recording devices, and sharp objects are strictly prohibited.
Taking Your Seat in the Gallery
Once you are through security, you are free to move through the public areas of the building. Outside each courtroom, there is typically a map or floor plan that clearly indicates the location of the Public Gallery.
You do not need an appointment or an invitation. You can simply walk into the courtroom, take a seat in the gallery, and observe. It is a powerful way to see how judges, barristers, and juries work together to deliver justice.
A Note on Reporting Restrictions
While you are free to watch, you must listen carefully for reporting restrictions. In some cases—particularly those involving children or victims of sexual offenses—the judge will issue an order stating that certain details cannot be shared.
This means you should not post about what you heard on social media or tell others details that could identify a protected person. These rules exist to protect the privacy and safety of vulnerable individuals involved in the crime.
Why Visit?
Seeing the system firsthand provides a level of insight that news reports cannot match. Whether you are a student, a local resident, or simply curious, the public gallery offers a front-row seat to the mechanism of British fairness.
