Unable to attend the Magistrates Court due to illness or injury?

It is important to notify the court as soon as possible if you are unable to appear on a scheduled date due to illness or injury.

You must provide evidence to the court of your inability to attend in the form of a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner, or evidence from ACT Health of your positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

The medical certificate must contain the following information:

1. Name and address of medical practitioner and their provider number
2. Name of patient
3. Date of court appearance
4. Date of the medical examination
5. Broad nature of your incapacity to attend court
6. Date medical practitioner considers patient is likely to be fit to attend court.

A medical certificate that does not indicate that the medical practitioner was aware that the person was due in court on the date of the incapacity may not be accepted as evidence of incapacity to attend court. For example, it is not sufficient for the medical certificate to state that the person is unfit to attend work.

Please find attached a proforma that can be used by your medical practitioner:

Do you have COVID-19?

If you have COVID-19, you must provide evidence from ACT Health of your positive COVID-19 diagnosis.  A positive RAT test is insufficient evidence and a magistrate or registrar may proceed in your absence.

The court may proceed in your absence if you do not provide evidence of your inability to attend court.  This may include a magistrate issuing a warrant for your arrest.

Notify the Court at the following email addresses and attach a copy of your medical certificate:

For criminal matters: MCListings@courts.act.gov.au

For general civil matters: civilregistry@courts.act.gov.au

For family or personal violence matters: protection@courts.act.gov.au