The information on this page describes what happens in the court room during a hearing before either a Commissioner or a Judge of the Land and Environment Court. Judges of the Land and Environment Court only hear cases involving criminal offences, civil enforcements, appeals against a decision of an Assessor or cases that raise important issues of law.
Commissioners hear cases involving building applications, development applications and valuations.
Just prior to the hearing, a Court Attendant will ask you and the other side for the names of your lawyers or representatives. The Court Attendant will then write the names on a slip of paper and places the paper on the bench. This is where the Commissioner sits. The Court Attendant will then ask whether both sides are ready to start. If both sides are ready the Court Attendant will turn on the sound recording equipment and will then go to the door behind the bench.