Trials are usually open to those who wish to watch. In the beginning a judge opens the trial and at the end he or she formally ends it. A judge presides over the trial and ensures that it follows the appropriate rules.

Audience members may be dismissed

The judge may limit the number of audience members to those who can be accommodated in the courtroom. He/she may also deny access to those who are unwell or if their presence risks causing the defendant or witness not to give a truthful statement. The judge may also dismiss an individual from the trial if his or her presence disturbs the peace in the courtroom or is inappropriate.

Closed trials

The trial is closed if the judge considers it necessary to protect the defendant, victim, witness or their relatives.

The judge may also consider it necessary to keep secret matters concerning the business of these parties, for the sake of decency, in the interest of the public or state security and to maintain peace in the courtroom. Trials are also closed when a witness, who has been granted anonymity, gives an audible statement.

Speaking in the courtroom

No one may speak without the permission of the judge and the judge may interrupt a person who does not stick to the subject of the case. Members of the audience are never authorized to speak during a trial.

Judge Addressed

Judges are addressed as "your honour".

Court staff

Apart from judges, solicitors and, where appropriate, the parties to the case, there are sometimes staff members of the courts in the room. They may be:

• Assistant to the judge

• A clerk of the court

• Courthouse guard

Recordings and photoshoots

It is not permitted to record audio or take pictures during a trial. A judge may grant an exemption from this ban.

Recordings of party statements and testimony

The statements of the parties and witnesses before the court are generally recorded in audio and video.

Certain rules apply to the delivery and access of the parties, victims, prosecution authorities, defence lawyers and lawyers of the parties in civil cases to audio and video recordings according to law. The rules also apply to the transfer of audio and video recordings between court levels.