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General

Harrow Crown Court temporarily closed

Harrow Crown Court is temporarily closed after Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was found during improvement works. While there is no indication of imminent risk, we expect the entire site will remain closed for six to nine months so that repairs can take place. Work has already been - and will continue to be - relocated to other locations across London and the South East.

Online services – temporary unavailability

Users are temporarily unable to access our online services for Help with Fees, Employment Tribunal refunds, Employment Tribunal ET1 and ET3 and Tax Tribunal. Users are also unable to access applications in progress during this time. Our service pages have been updated with information on how to apply by post or email until the issue is resolved. Sorry for this inconvenience.

Reminder: Royal Courts of Justice Open day

On Saturday 16 September 2023 the Royal Courts of Justice will again open its doors to members of the public as part of the capital wide Open House London event. For the first time since 2019, visitors will be able to explore the building and take part in events including mock trials, robing demonstrations and tours of the cells. The event will run from 10am to 4pm.

Crime

Common Platform

Get help with using Common Platform

Legal professionals can join one of our regular online support sessions to get help with:

• activating or logging into your account
• accessing case information
• checking in for a hearing
• any other aspect of Common Platform

Sessions take place on 📅 Tuesdays at 🕐 4:30pm and 📅 Thursdays at 🕐 9am.

For details on using Common Platform, watch our videos on how to use Common Platform and account registration and security. You can also read our how-to guides. 

Reminder: Contact our service centre about Common Platform cases in these courts

Please contact our service centre with all queries about Common Platform cases in these London courts, instead of contacting the court directly:

• Barkingside Magistrates’ Court
• Romford Magistrates’ Court
• Stratford Magistrates’ Court
• Thames Magistrates’ Court

You can:

• phone 0330 808 4407
• email professionalcontactcrime@justice.gov.uk

All new criminal cases are managed on Common Platform in the first instance. Any unique reference number (URN) for a case which includes both numbers and letters refers to a Common Platform case. 

If you need to enquire about a case on Libra, or a non-police prosecutor case, please contact the relevant court.

Reminder: Open Days

Lincoln Crown Court

To celebrate 200 years since the first brick of the building was laid, Lincoln Crown Court is hosting an open day on Saturday 16 September from 10am to 3pm.

The event, which is free to attend and open to all ages, will provide a unique insight into how justice is being delivered and improved in the local area.

Visitors will have the opportunity to speak with court staff and take part in a range of activities including watching a ‘mock’ trial, visiting the court cells and jury rooms, or even try on a wig and gown.

For enquiries relating to the open day, please contact: lincoln.crowncourt@justice.gov.uk

Lewes Crown Court

Lewes Crown Court is holding a heritage open day on Saturday 9 September 2023 for 10am to 2pm. All ages are welcome, and visitors will be able to sit in on mock trials, ask questions to judges, tour the courtrooms and cells, and much more.

The event will offer a unique insight into the hard work that goes on behind the scenes and provide the local community with an understanding of the inner workings of the criminal court.

For any questions or queries, please contact: melanie.kill2@justice.gov.uk.

Civil

Reminder: Judicial guidance and announcements

On 7 September 2023 a recruitment exercise begins for 100 District Judge positions across England and Wales. The window to apply will be open until 28 September 2023 and full information about the roles and process is available at the Judicial Appointments Commission website.

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