Cardiff Magistrates’ Court Listings

About Cardiff Magistrates' Court at Fitzalan Place

Cardiff Magistrates' Court is located at Fitzalan Place, Cardiff, CF24 0RZ, in the heart of the Welsh capital's Adamsdown district. As the principal magistrates' court serving Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, this busy courthouse processes thousands of cases each year across its multiple courtrooms. The court operates under His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) as part of the Wales Circuit and sits Monday to Friday, handling everything from first appearances to contested trials and sentencing hearings.

The court building is equipped with modern facilities including a hearing loop system, video link capabilities for prison-to-court appearances, consultation rooms for private legal discussions, and baby changing facilities. Assistance dogs are welcomed, and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards are available on request at reception. Security screening operates at all entrances, so visitors should allow extra time on arrival and avoid bringing prohibited items such as sharp objects, glass bottles, or electronic recording devices.

Types of Cases Heard at Cardiff Magistrates' Court

Cardiff Magistrates' Court handles a broad range of summary offences and either-way matters at the lower end of the criminal justice system. Common case types listed daily include assault, theft, public order offences, motoring offences such as drink-driving and speeding, criminal damage, and drug possession. The court also deals with bail applications, breach proceedings, and preliminary hearings for indictable-only offences before they are committed or sent to Cardiff Crown Court for trial.

In addition to criminal matters, Cardiff Magistrates' Court sits as a venue for employment tribunal hearings, immigration and asylum cases, and Single Justice Procedure (SJP) cases. SJP matters — typically lower-level regulatory offences such as TV licence evasion or rail fare non-payment — are decided on paper by a single magistrate without requiring the defendant to attend court. Claims against employers handled through the employment tribunal can be directed to the tribunal office at [email protected] or by calling 029 2067 8100.

Daily Listings and Courtroom Allocation

Each morning and afternoon session at Cardiff Magistrates' Court is published on our daily listings page above. Hearings typically commence at 10:00 for morning sessions and 14:00 for afternoon sessions, though times may vary depending on the court's daily workload. Cases are allocated across multiple courtrooms, and defendants or witnesses should check the information screens in the court lobby on arrival to confirm their courtroom number. Listings are subject to late changes, adjournments, or cancellations, so it is always advisable to verify your hearing time directly with the court.

Contact Details and Opening Hours

The court building opens from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, with the public counter available from 10:00am to 2:00pm. General magistrates' court enquiries can be made by calling the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre on 0330 808 4407 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm), or by emailing [email protected]. For fine-related queries, contact 0300 123 9252, and to make a payment call 0300 790 9980. The Witness Service, which provides support to anyone giving evidence, is reachable on 0300 332 1000.

Getting to Cardiff Magistrates' Court

Fitzalan Place is situated just east of Cardiff city centre, within easy walking distance of the main shopping areas and Cardiff Queen Street railway station, which is approximately a five-minute walk away. Cardiff Central station is also nearby, roughly ten minutes on foot, with regular Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway services connecting the capital to destinations across South Wales and England. Several bus routes serve the area, including the 9, 28, 30, and C1, with stops at Fitzalan Place and West Grove within a four-minute walk of the court entrance.

There is no on-site parking at Cardiff Magistrates' Court. The nearest public car park is Knox Road car park, and pay-and-display street parking is available on surrounding roads, though spaces fill quickly during weekday mornings. Limited disabled parking bays are located on Fitzalan Road adjacent to the court building. If you are attending a hearing at a nearby Welsh court, you may also wish to check listings for Newport (South Wales) Magistrates' Court, which serves the Gwent area approximately 15 miles east of Cardiff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do hearings start at Cardiff Magistrates' Court?

Morning hearings at Cardiff Magistrates' Court generally begin at 10:00am, while afternoon sessions are listed from 2:00pm. Defendants summoned for a morning hearing should arrive by 9:30am to pass through security and check in at reception.

Can I attend a hearing at Cardiff Magistrates' Court as a member of the public?

Yes. Magistrates' court hearings in England and Wales are generally open to the public and accredited press, unless the court imposes specific reporting restrictions or sits in private for family, youth, or sensitive matters.

How do I find out if my case is listed today?

You can check the daily listings published at the top of this page for current Cardiff Magistrates' Court hearing schedules. Alternatively, contact the court directly on 0330 808 4407 or check the information display screens when you arrive at the building.

Where is Cardiff Magistrates' Court located?

The court is at Fitzalan Place, Cardiff, CF24 0RZ, in the Adamsdown area just east of the city centre. It is a short walk from both Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Central railway stations.