The Supreme Court of Western Australia is the state's highest court. Most of its work is heard in Perth, in the historic Supreme Court building in Stirling Gardens and in the David Malcolm Justice Centre at 28 Barrack Street. From time to time, however, the Court lists a matter in a courtroom outside its usual buildings. This page shows those Supreme Court listings, recorded in the WA court system as "External Building", with the courtroom and start time for the current sitting day and the next one.
Why a matter is listed in an external building
The Court may use another venue when its own courtrooms are fully booked, when a long trial needs a courtroom for several weeks, or when a matter needs facilities that a particular building provides. Because the venue is not one of the Court's regular buildings, the exact location matters. Always check the address on your notice, subpoena or jury summons, and ring the registry if anything is unclear before you travel.
What the Supreme Court hears
The Supreme Court of Western Australia was established in 1861. It deals with the most serious criminal cases in the state, including murder and other offences that carry the heaviest penalties, and with major civil disputes, probate and estate matters and corporations matters. Its Court of Appeal hears appeals from the District Court, from single judges of the Supreme Court and from some tribunals.
A listing in an external building may be any of these:
- Criminal trials, usually before a judge and jury.
- Sentencing hearings after a plea of guilty or a verdict.
- Civil trials and hearings, including directions and interlocutory applications.
Contacting the Court
The Supreme Court registry can be reached on (08) 9421 5333. The Court's other Perth lists are shown on the Supreme Court building Perth and Supreme Court WA listings pages, and it is worth checking both if a matter does not appear here.
Attending court
Hearings are generally open to the public, although the judge can close the court or restrict publication in some cases. Allow time for security screening, switch your phone to silent and do not record or photograph anything in the courtroom. Criminal cases usually appear on the list as "The State of Western Australia v" followed by the name of the accused person.
Times on the list are a guide only. A trial can run longer than expected, and matters may be moved to another courtroom at short notice, so check again on the morning of your hearing. Anyone involved in a Supreme Court matter should get legal advice; Legal Aid WA can help people who are eligible. This page is general information only and not legal advice.