Norwich Magistrates’ Court Listings

About Norwich Magistrates' Court and Family Court

Norwich Magistrates' Court and Family Court sits at Bishopgate, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 1UP — one of the busiest magistrates' courts serving the East of England. Located in the heart of the city, the court handles a wide range of criminal, family, and civil matters for residents across Norwich, Norfolk, and the surrounding region. The building also houses a Family Court, making it a combined judicial centre that serves as a cornerstone of the justice system in East Anglia.

Norwich has a rich legal history dating back centuries, and the modern magistrates' court continues that tradition of local justice. Situated near the historic Norwich city centre, the Bishopgate building is easily accessible from the city's key transport hubs, ensuring that defendants, witnesses, legal professionals, and members of the public can attend hearings with ease. The court serves communities across the county of Norfolk and works closely with Norfolk Constabulary on prosecutions.

Daily Court Listings & Hearing Schedule

The Norwich Magistrates' Court listings are updated each working day and cover all scheduled hearings at the Bishopgate courthouse. Daily lists typically include the defendant's full name, the prosecuting authority, the courtroom number, the scheduled time, and the case reference number. Listings are available for criminal hearings, traffic offences, single justice procedure cases (such as TV licence and minor motoring matters), and family court matters.

• Criminal cases: Theft, assault, motoring offences, drug offences, anti-social behaviour, and breach of court orders
• Traffic & motoring: Speeding, driving without insurance, drink-driving, and licence matters
• Single Justice Procedure (SJP): TV licence evasion, minor road traffic violations decided by a single magistrate without a full hearing
• Family court matters: Child arrangement orders, non-molestation orders, and care proceedings
• Remand hearings: First appearances and bail applications for defendants recently charged by Norfolk Police

Listings for Monday hearings are typically published on the preceding Friday. If no list appears for a specific date, it may indicate no sittings are scheduled — you can confirm by contacting the court directly. Cases involving children or overnight custody are not published in the public listings.

Court Opening Times & Contact Details

Opening Hours

Norwich Magistrates' Court is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Hearings typically begin from 9:30am, though exact start times vary depending on the daily list. The court does not hold public sittings on weekends unless exceptional circumstances require it.

Contact Information

• Address: Bishopgate, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 1UP
• Phone (Magistrates' Enquiries): 03308 084 407 (Monday–Friday 8:30am–5pm; Saturday 8am–2pm)
• Phone (Single Justice Service): 0300 303 0656 (Monday–Friday 9am–5pm)
• Phone (Enforcement/Fines): 0300 123 9252 (9am–5pm)
• National Payment Line: 0300 790 9901 (24-hour line)
• Witness Service: 0300 332 1409
• Email (Criminal enquiries): [email protected]
• Email (Family court): [email protected]
• DX: DX 97389 Norwich 5

If you have a disability and require assistance attending a hearing, call 03308 084 407 in advance so the court can make appropriate arrangements.

Getting to Norwich Magistrates' Court

By Train

Norwich Railway Station (served by Greater Anglia) is approximately 1 mile from the courthouse. From the station, the court is reachable in around 15–20 minutes on foot via Prince of Wales Road and Bishopgate, or in under 5 minutes by taxi.

By Bus

Several First Eastern Counties and Konectbus services stop along Norwich city centre routes near Bishopgate. The city's main bus interchange at Castle Meadow is around a 10-minute walk from the court.

By Car

Norwich Magistrates' Court is accessible via the A147 and Barrack Street, approximately a 7-minute drive from the city's ring road. The nearest public car parks are at Rose Lane and St Andrew's car park. Street parking near Bishopgate is limited, so arriving early is advised for hearing attendance.

By Bicycle

Norwich is a cycle-friendly city with several signed routes leading to the city centre. Bicycle parking is available near the court entrance.

What Cases Are Heard at Norwich Magistrates' Court?

As a magistrates' court, Norwich deals with the vast majority of criminal cases in the area — around 95% of all criminal cases in England and Wales are resolved at magistrates' level. More serious offences that exceed the sentencing powers of magistrates (up to 12 months' custody for a single offence) are committed or sent to Norwich Crown Court at the same Bishopgate complex for trial or sentencing.

• Summary-only offences: Minor assaults, drunk and disorderly, most motoring offences — heard and sentenced entirely at magistrates' level
• Either-way offences: Theft, fraud, and drug possession — can be heard at magistrates' court or sent to the Crown Court depending on seriousness
• Indictable-only offences: Murder, rape, serious GBH — initially appear at the magistrates' court before being sent to Norwich Crown Court
• Family proceedings: Emergency protection orders, domestic abuse injunctions, and child contact matters

The Ipswich Magistrates' Court also covers cases for defendants from the wider East of England. If you are looking for nearby court listings, you may also want to check the Ipswich Magistrates' Court listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find today's Norwich Magistrates' Court listings?

The daily hearing list for Norwich Magistrates' Court is published on this page each working day. Lists show defendant names, case numbers, courtroom, and scheduled hearing times. Listings for Monday are usually available from the preceding Friday afternoon.

Can I attend a hearing at Norwich Magistrates' Court?

Yes. Magistrates' courts in England and Wales are open to the public, and you are entitled to attend most hearings. Youth cases and certain family proceedings are held in private. The court is located at Bishopgate, Norwich, NR3 1UP and is open from 9am Monday to Friday.

What should I do if my case is not listed?

If you cannot find your case in the published listings, contact the court directly on 03308 084 407 (Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5pm). Overnight custody cases and youth matters are not included in the public daily list.

How do I pay a fine imposed by Norwich Magistrates' Court?

Fines can be paid via the National Payment Line on 0300 790 9901, which operates 24 hours a day. You can also make payment online via GOV.UK or in person at the court during opening hours.

Does Norwich Magistrates' Court have disabled access?

Yes. The court building at Bishopgate provides accessible facilities for people with disabilities. If you need specific assistance, contact the court in advance on 03308 084 407 so arrangements can be made before your hearing date.