Videos
We have 14 videos to help you represent yourself in court.
The information in the videos is intended as a guide to law and procedure only, and you should get
legal advice about the circumstances of your case.
Finding your courtroom
Are you going to court but don't know what courtroom you will be in? This video will show you how to find which courtroom you should go to when you get to court.
You can also read a
transcript of this video 
(36 kb).
This video is available with the 
audio description.
To read more about going to court, go to:
Asking for an adjournment
Are you going to court and think you need an adjournment? This video will show you:
- how to prepare for court
- where to stand and what you call the Registrar or Magistrate
- how to ask the Registrar or Magistrate for an adjournment.
You can also read a transcript of this video (45 kb).
To read more about asking for an adjournment, go to:
Pleading guilty
Are you going to court to plead guilty? This video will show you how to prepare, what to do in court and what to say.
You can also read a transcript of this video (54 kb).
To read more about how to prepare for court, go to:
Pleading not guilty
Have you decided to plead not guilty? This video will show you:
- how to prepare for court
- what to do and say at the mention.
You can also read a transcript of this video (44 kb).
To read more about pleading not guilty, go to:
Presenting your case at a defended hearing
Are you going to a hearing after pleading not guilty? These five videos will show you:
- who speaks first and what to expect when the prosecutor asks their witnesses questions
- tips for cross-examining a witness
- how to give evidence at court and what happens during cross-examination
- how to question your own witnesses when it's their turn to give evidence
- how to sum up your case after all the evidence has been heard and how to tell the court why you think you are not guilty.
You can also read a transcript of the above videos:
These videos are available with the audio description:
To read more about what happens at the hearing, go to:
Responding to an application for an Apprehended Violence Order
Have you been served with an application for an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO)? These two videos will show you:
- what your options are if you have been served with an application for an AVO and how to prepare for the mention at court
- what it means to consent to an AVO without admissions and what can happen if you breach an AVO.
You can also read a transcript of the above videos:
These videos are also available with the audio description:
To read more about what your options are if you have been served with an application for an AVO, go to How to respond to an application for an Apprehended Violence Order in the AVO topic.
Applying for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order
Are you applying for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO)? This video will show you:
- what happens at court
- how to get support from the Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS).
You can also read a
transcript of this video (34 kb).
This video is available with the audio description.
To read more about going to court, go to Mention in the AVOs topic.
Small claims
Do you have a case in the Small Claims Division of the Local Court? These two videos will show you:
- how to prepare for the pre-trial review
- where to stand and what to say to the Magistrate or Registrar
- how to prepare for the hearing
- what can happen at a hearing, how to present your case and summarise your argument.
You can also read a transcript of the above videos:
These videos are also available with the audio description:
To read more, if you are a plaintiff in a small claims case, go to:
To read more, if you are a defendant in a small claims case, go to:
More videos
The Department of Communities and Justice has developed 3 more videos to help you get ready for court:
Are you Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander? Do you know where to get help if you ever need to go to court? The Aboriginal Services Unit (ASU) will support you on your court day. Whether you need help finding a lawyer or just want to have a yarn about your court papers, ASU can assist. Watch this short clip to see where to find ASU at court. For more info, call us on 1300 679 272.
Are you Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander? Have you been to court or been posted court papers? What if you can’t find your court papers? Watch this short clip to find out where you can get help. You can contact the Aboriginal Services Unit (ASU) on 1300 679 272 or ask your local court if there is an ASU worker there you can visit in-person.
Are you Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander? Have you been to court? Understanding court orders can be tricky for everyone. It is a good idea to have a yarn with someone about the conditions of your order before you leave court. You can speak with your lawyer, the court registry or get in touch with the Aboriginal Services Unit (ASU). Call 1300 679 272 or ask your local court if there is an ASU worker there that you can visit in-person.