"Not before", often written NB on a court list, means the hearing will not start before the time shown, but it may start later. A case marked "not before 11:30" could be called at 11:30, at midday or in the afternoon, depending on how the courtroom's other work goes. You must be at court by the time shown.

Why courts list cases this way

A courtroom usually has several cases in a day: a short mention at 10am, a sentence at 10:30, a trial continuing after that. The judge cannot know exactly when each will finish, so later cases are given a "not before" time instead of a fixed one. It protects you from having to be there at 10am for a case that cannot possibly be reached until the afternoon.

The times you will see on a daily list

  • 10:00, or any plain time. The case is listed to start at that time. Several cases may share it; they are taken in the order the court decides.
  • Not before 11:00, or NB 11:00. Not earlier than that; possibly later.
  • 2:00pm or 14:00. An afternoon listing; the court sits again after lunch, usually from 2pm.
  • Floating, or floater. No fixed courtroom or time. The case goes into the first courtroom that becomes free. Attend from the start of the day.
  • Warned list. The case may be called on any day in the warned period at short notice; it will only appear on the daily list once it is called. See the guide on warned lists.
  • First on, second on. The order in which cases will be taken in that courtroom.
  • Reserved. The case is kept for a particular judge, usually one who has dealt with it before.
  • For mention (10 mins), sentence (30 mins), trial (2 days). A time estimate, not a start time.
  • Part heard. The case started on an earlier day and continues.
  • Video link, PVL, CVP. The defendant, or a witness, is appearing by video rather than in person.

What time should I arrive?

Be inside the building and reporting to the usher at least 30 minutes before the time on the list, and earlier at large courts where security queues build up in the morning. If you are listed at 10am, aim to be through security by 9:30. If you are "not before 2pm", be there by 1:30. Once you have checked in, the usher knows you are there and will call you.

Can I leave and come back?

Only if the usher tells you it is safe to. Tell them where you are going and keep your phone on. If the court calls your case and you are not there, a defendant on bail can have a warrant issued, and a witness can be found to be in contempt.

Times change during the day

Daily lists are updated as cases are moved, and the version on the court's screens is the authoritative one. The list published the day before is a plan, not a promise. Check the screens when you arrive and listen for the usher.

This is general information for England and Wales, not legal advice. Speak to a solicitor about your own case.