Date:

10/09/2017

Attorney General Mark Speakman and NSW Chief Justice Tom Bathurst today launched a free mobile device app for self-guided tours of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

“The app is the first of its kind, not just in this state, but for any Australian court,” Mr Speakman said. “It’s a clever use of modern technology to educate users about an institution that is 193 years old.”

The app uses a platform designed specifically for cultural and heritage walking tours, and includes text, photos, video and audio to enrich the experiences of its users.

The first tour available via the NSW Supreme Court Tour App focuses on the Law Courts Building in Queens Square (184 Phillip St, Sydney).

Tour “stops” include the Banco Court, the Royal Crest, the Oar Mace of Admiralty and a collection of portraits of former Chief Justices, complete with an audio biography of each.

Chief Justice Bathurst said the app would allow visitors to immerse themselves in the court surrounds, in their own time.

“Over the years, visitors have regularly dropped into the Law Courts Building, hoping to join a tour, only to learn that tours were dependent on the court’s resources, and required pre-booking with a 15-participant minimum,” Chief Justice Bathurst said.

“No such limits now apply. This app effectively throws open our doors to anyone who is interested in the current workings and history of the highest court in NSW, established by letters patent proclaimed in 1824.”

Future app tours will include the historic King Street and Darlinghurst complexes, as well as specialist art and architecture tours, extending the appeal of a court tour beyond the traditional school and legal groups.

The “NSW Supreme Court Tour App” is available for download from the Apple App Store and very shortly in the Google Play Store.