Magistrates Court

[jlee]

My sister went to court yesterday and her ex husband turned up, he is for want of a better word, obsessed with her. I know it's a public court but we were perplexed at how he knew the case was going to be heard there. When do Magistrates release details of what is being heard, or do they at all? And if so is this a monthly/weekly thing? She is currently talking to the police about a restraining order against him, but we would like to know how he has heard about this court case as he doesn't speak to anyone in the family.

[S11Steve]

Anyone can ring up any court and ask for details of upcoming hearings or past sentencing - as you have said, it's public.

[bobtail4x4]

he was probably following her

[jlee]

Ok, thanks. Do you know when the court release this information? We are trying to work out if he had been constantly ringing everyday.

[S11Steve]

They tend to work a week or two ahead - so it may well be that he knew the case was imminent, and rang up the previous week and was told by the court clerk.

It depends on the court though - some are busier or better organised than others. I've called up some in the past and they have given me 3-4 weeks advance notice of a hearing, others may only be a day or two in advance.

[skwdenyer]

S11Steve said:

They tend to work a week or two ahead - so it may well be that he knew the case was imminent, and rang up the previous week and was told by the court clerk.

It depends on the court though - some are busier or better organised than others. I've called up some in the past and they have given me 3-4 weeks advance notice of a hearing, others may only be a day or two in advance.

It is worth remembering that the court is a public place, and court proceedings are (bar a few exceptions) public hearings. Some court lists are published online, and as others have said the court itself will (in fact is obliged to) give out information.