York Magistrates’ Court Listings

About York Magistrates' Court on Clifford Street

York Magistrates' Court is located at the Law Courts on Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RE. Officially known as York and Selby Magistrates' Court and Family Court, this venue is managed by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and serves the wider York and Selby area of North Yorkshire. The court sits within a striking Grade II listed building designed by architects Huon Arthur Matear and Henry Bloomfield Bare, built between 1890 and 1892 in a Gothic Revival style. The foundation stone was laid on 16 July 1890 by Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale, and the building was formally opened on 19 October 1892 by the Lord Mayor of York, John Close. Its Clifford Street facade features octagonal turrets, carved stonework, and the arms of the City of York in the apex of its pediment, making it one of the most architecturally notable court buildings in the region.

Cases Heard at York Magistrates' Court

York Magistrates' Court handles a range of criminal and family matters. On the criminal side, the court deals with summary offences such as common assault, criminal damage, drunk and disorderly behaviour, motoring offences, theft, and public order breaches. It also conducts bail applications, sentencing hearings, case management sessions, and preliminary hearings for either-way offences that may later be committed to York Crown Court for trial. The court also operates a Single Justice Procedure for low-level offences such as TV licence evasion and minor road traffic matters, where cases are dealt with by a single magistrate on paper without a public hearing. As a Family Court, it handles private family law applications including child arrangement orders and matters relating to contact and residence following parental separation.

Opening Times and Contact Details

The court building is open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 5:00pm, with the public counter available from 9:30am to 4:00pm. For general magistrates' court enquiries, you can contact the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre on 0330 808 4407 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm; Saturday, 8:00am–2:00pm). For queries about Single Justice Procedure cases, call 0300 303 0656 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm). General email enquiries should be sent to [email protected], family court enquiries to [email protected], and payment-related queries to [email protected]. The Witness Service can be reached on 0300 332 1401.

Getting to York Magistrates' Court

Clifford Street is centrally located in York, within easy walking distance of several public transport links. York railway station is approximately a 14-minute walk from the court and is served by LNER, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, and Northern services. Several bus routes stop on or near Clifford Street, including routes 3, 4, 10, and the ZAP service, with the nearest bus stop on Tower Street just a 4-minute walk away. There is no public car parking at the court itself, but pay-and-display car parks are available nearby, including the Castle Car Park on Tower Street, which also has designated blue badge spaces. On-street parking around Clifford Street is limited, particularly during court hours. The court sits close to Clifford's Tower and the Castle Museum, so visitors should allow extra time for parking during tourist season.

Facilities and Accessibility

The building provides disabled access to ground-floor courtrooms via a lift at the rear, although staff assistance is required, so visitors should notify the court in advance. A portable hearing enhancement system is available by prior arrangement. The court has five private interview rooms, a public waiting room, baby changing facilities, public toilets, and a prayer or quiet room. Video conferencing and prison-to-court video link facilities are available by prior arrangement. Assistance dogs are welcome, and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards can be provided on request. A trained first aider is also on site. Legal professionals can note that the Magistrates' Court location code is 2357, and the court participates in the Professional Users' Court and Tribunal Access Scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the address of York Magistrates' Court?

The full address is Law Courts, Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RE.

What are the opening hours of York Magistrates' Court?

The court is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:00pm. The counter closes at 4:00pm.

Is there parking at York Magistrates' Court?

No, there is no public parking at the court. The nearest pay-and-display car parks are on Tower Street and surrounding streets. Blue badge parking is available at the Tower Street car park.

How do I find out who is in court today at York?

Daily court listings for York Magistrates' Court are published each morning. You can check the current hearing schedule on this page or contact the court directly on 0330 808 4407.

Can I attend a hearing at York Magistrates' Court?

Most magistrates' court hearings are open to the public. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before the hearing to allow time for security screening. Some family proceedings may be held in private.

Where are more serious criminal cases from York sent?

Cases that are too serious for the magistrates' court, or either-way offences where the defendant elects a jury trial, are committed to York Crown Court at York Castle. Nearby magistrates' courts serving the wider North Yorkshire area include Scarborough Magistrates' Court.