Liverpool & Knowsley Magistrates’ Court Listings

Today's Court Listings at Liverpool & Knowsley Magistrates' Court

Liverpool & Knowsley Magistrates' Court sits within the Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts at Derby Square, Liverpool L2 1XA. This busy Merseyside court handles criminal cases, single justice procedure matters, and preliminary hearings for the Liverpool and Knowsley boroughs. Hearings are scheduled Monday to Friday, with courtroom allocations, case reference numbers, and sitting times published on the daily cause list — typically released by 4pm the previous day. Whether you are a defendant, witness, solicitor, or member of the public, this page provides the most up-to-date listing information so you can confirm hearing times before travelling to court.

About the Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts, Derby Square

The Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts opened in 1984, replacing the Crown Court operations previously held at the historic St George's Hall. Designed by architects Farmer & Dark in a distinctive Brutalist style, the ten-storey complex features dark reddish ribbed concrete panels and houses 28 courtrooms under one roof. The building serves multiple judicial functions including the Crown Court, Liverpool & Knowsley Magistrates' Court, Liverpool District Probate Registry, and the Liverpool Youth Court. The site itself carries centuries of legal significance — Liverpool Castle stood on this exact ground from the 13th to the 18th century, and the courthouse towers deliberately echo the medieval fortress that once occupied Derby Square.

In June 2015, the Magistrates' Court relocated here from its former home on Dale Street, consolidating magistrates' operations into the same modern complex. Today, the court typically lists between 80 and 120 hearings per week across multiple courtrooms, dealing with offences ranging from motoring violations and theft to assault, public order matters, and bail applications. Cases that fall outside magistrates' sentencing powers are committed or sent to Liverpool Crown Court, which also sits within the same building.

Types of Cases Heard

Liverpool & Knowsley Magistrates' Court handles summary offences and either-way offences where the defendant elects or is directed to be tried summarily. The daily list commonly includes:

• Summary criminal offences — common assault, criminal damage under £5,000, drink-driving, driving without insurance, and shoplifting
• Either-way offences at first hearing — theft, burglary, ABH, fraud, and drug possession with intent to supply
• Bail and remand applications
• Single justice procedure (SJP) cases — TV licence evasion, minor road traffic offences, and rail fare prosecutions dealt with on paper by a single magistrate
• Breach of community orders, suspended sentences, and restraining orders
• Youth Court matters heard in a separate courtroom with restricted public access

Opening Hours & Contact Details

The court building is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, with counter enquiries accepted until 4:00pm. Hearings are usually listed from 9:30am or 10:00am. For general enquiries, contact the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre on 0330 808 4407 (Monday to Friday 8:30am–5:00pm, Saturday 8:00am–2:00pm). The local court number is 0151 473 7373. Single Justice Procedure queries are handled separately on 0330 808 4407, Monday to Friday 9:00am–5:00pm. Outstanding fine and payment enquiries should be directed to the Cheshire and Merseyside Central Payment and Enforcement Centre.

Getting to Derby Square — Transport & Parking

Derby Square sits in the heart of Liverpool city centre, making the court highly accessible by public transport. Liverpool Lime Street railway station is roughly a 10-minute walk east of the building, served by Northern, Merseyrail, TransPennine Express, and Avanti West Coast services. Moorfields underground station on the Merseyrail network is even closer — approximately five minutes on foot via Dale Street. Multiple bus routes stop within two minutes of the court, including services along Dale Street, Victoria Street, and Hood Street. The nearest bus stops are Dale Street, Victoria Street, and Hood Street, all served by routes including the 13, 18, 54A, 78, and 79C.

There is no on-site parking at the Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts. The nearest public car park is Liverpool ONE, located within 500 metres of the court entrance. Street parking near Derby Square is extremely limited and mostly restricted to short stays, so arriving by public transport or using a nearby multi-storey car park is strongly recommended, especially for hearings listed early in the morning.

Accessibility & Facilities

The building provides level access at the entrance and throughout all floors, with lifts serving every level and step-free access into all courtrooms. Accessible toilets are available, assistance dogs are welcome, and hearing enhancement systems can be provided — inform court staff on the day of your hearing. Lanyards for hidden disabilities are available on request. A cafeteria on the ground floor serves hot and cold drinks and light refreshments. If you have a disability and need specific adjustments for your hearing, call 0330 808 4407 in advance to arrange support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out if my case is listed at Liverpool & Knowsley Magistrates' Court?

Daily court listings are published on this page and typically updated by 4:00pm on the working day before your hearing. Check for your case reference number, courtroom allocation, and listed time. You can also contact the court directly on 0151 473 7373 for confirmation.

Can I attend a hearing at this court as a member of the public?

Most magistrates' court hearings are open to the public unless reporting restrictions or special measures apply. Youth Court proceedings are not open to the general public. Arrive early and pass through security screening at the main entrance before proceeding to the relevant courtroom.

What happens if my case is sent to the Crown Court?

If the magistrates determine that the offence is too serious for summary trial or if you elect Crown Court trial for an either-way offence, your case will be committed or sent to Liverpool Crown Court, conveniently located within the same Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts building at Derby Square.

Is there a dress code for attending Liverpool Magistrates' Court?

There is no formal dress code, but smart, respectful clothing is expected. Hats and hoods must be removed inside the building, and you will be required to pass through airport-style security scanners at the entrance. Mobile phones should be switched to silent before entering any courtroom.

What is the Single Justice Procedure?

The Single Justice Procedure (SJP) allows a single magistrate to deal with minor summary-only offences on paper, without the defendant attending court. Common SJP cases at Liverpool & Knowsley include TV licence evasion, minor road traffic matters, and unpaid rail fares. Defendants receive documentation by post explaining how to enter a plea.