Exeter Magistrates’ Court Listings

Today's Court Listings at Exeter Magistrates' Court

Exeter Magistrates' Court, officially known as Exeter Magistrates' Court – North and East Devon, publishes daily hearing schedules covering criminal and civil matters across the North and East Devon jurisdiction. Court listings are updated each day through the HMCTS Xhibit digital display system and typically include the defendant's name, scheduled hearing time, and allocated courtroom number. If you need to check whether a specific case is listed, the schedule for Exeter magistrates' court this week is refreshed regularly to reflect any late additions or amendments made by court administration.

Location, Address and Contact Details

The courthouse is situated at The Court House, Heavitree Road, Exeter, Devon, EX1 2LS, approximately half a mile east of Exeter city centre. Postal correspondence should be directed to Southernhay Gardens, Exeter, EX1 1UH. The court's location code is 1300 and its DX address is 98440 Exeter 2.

Contact Numbers and Email

• General Enquiries: 01392 415 300
• Magistrates' Court Enquiries (CTSC): 0330 808 4407 (Monday–Friday 8:30am–5pm, Saturday 8am–2pm)
• Email: [email protected]
• Single Justice Service: [email protected] / 0300 303 0656
• CASS+ Support: [email protected]

Opening Hours

The court building is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. Telephone enquiries are answered between 9:00am and 4:00pm. Counter services are available by appointment only.

Getting to Exeter Magistrates' Court

Heavitree Road is one of Exeter's main arterial routes and is well served by public transport. Several Stagecoach bus services run along Heavitree Road, providing direct connections to Exeter city centre, Exeter St David's railway station, and Exeter Central station. From Exeter St David's, the court is roughly a 20-minute walk or a short bus journey. For those driving, on-street parking around Heavitree Road is limited and subject to residents' permit restrictions. Pay-and-display car parks on Southernhay and King William Street are the nearest public options, both within a 10-minute walk. The court sits directly opposite the University of Exeter's St Luke's Campus, which can serve as a useful landmark.

Types of Cases Heard

As a magistrates' court serving the North and East Devon area, this venue handles a broad range of proceedings. Criminal matters include summary offences such as common assault, drink-driving, shoplifting, criminal damage, and public order offences. The court also conducts first hearings and case allocation for either-way offences, which may subsequently be committed to Exeter Crown Court for trial or sentencing. Bail applications, warrant hearings, and breach proceedings are heard regularly throughout each sitting day.

Beyond criminal work, the court deals with civil and regulatory matters including council tax liability orders, TV licensing prosecutions, and certain family proceedings. Cases referred through the Single Justice Procedure are handled separately and cover low-level, non-imprisonable offences such as railway fare evasion and minor motoring charges.

History of Magistrates' Justice in Exeter

Exeter has a long judicial history stretching back centuries. Criminal proceedings were historically conducted at Exeter Castle, also known as Rougemont Castle, which served as the city's principal court venue for both assizes and petty sessions. As caseloads grew during the 20th century, dedicated magistrates' court facilities were established along Heavitree Road to separate summary justice from the more serious Crown Court work. The modern Exeter Law Courts complex at Southernhay Gardens opened in 2004 to house Crown Court and County Court hearings, while the magistrates' court continued to operate from its Heavitree Road site. The Central Devon Magistrates' Court, also previously located on Heavitree Road, was closed in 2019 and its caseload consolidated into the North and East Devon bench.

Nearby Courts in Devon

Defendants and legal professionals attending courts elsewhere in Devon may also need listings for Newton Abbot Magistrates' Court, which covers the South Devon area, or Barnstaple Magistrates' Court for cases originating in North Devon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do hearings start at Exeter Magistrates' Court?

Most morning hearings are listed for 10:00am, with afternoon sessions typically starting at 2:00pm. Arrival at least 30 minutes before your scheduled hearing is recommended to allow time for security screening and check-in with the court clerk.

How do I find out if my case is listed at Exeter Magistrates' Court this week?

Daily court listings for Exeter are published on this page and updated throughout the day. You can also contact the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre on 0330 808 4407 or email [email protected] for confirmation of upcoming hearings.

Can I park near the court?

On-street parking on Heavitree Road is restricted. The closest public car parks are on Southernhay and King William Street, both a short walk away. Pre-booking a private parking space through services like JustPark is another option, particularly during busy court days.

What should I bring to court?

Bring your court summons or postal requisition, photographic identification, and any documents your solicitor has asked you to provide. All visitors must pass through a security check upon entry. Mobile phones must be switched off inside courtrooms.