What happens at court?
The court is different from other places you go to. Usually it is a place where people who have broken the law (rules) are taken to by the Police.
The court decides what will happen to someone who has broken the law.
a Where will I be?
A safe and secure room
There will usually be a safe and secure room for you when you come to court. You can hang out in that room and take along things to do and snacks.
Who will be with me?
You can have someone you know and trust wait with you in the room. If you want, you can bring cards, colouring, a device to watch movies or play games.
b Telling what happened in court.
Answering questions
You won’t go into the courtroom to answer questions, but you’ll be able to see the lawyers and the judge in the courtroom on a computer screen in another room.
Who is helping me?
There are adults who explain when everyone is ready for the questions and they make sure you know where to sit and what is happening.
c Who is in the court?
1. Judge
The boss of the courtroom. If there is not a jury
Twelve people from the community who decide if the person is guilty or not guilty. , they decide if the defendant
The person accused of the crime. is guilty.
2. Registrar
Helps the judge and makes sure court process is followed.
3. Witness
(You, in another room)
You are there to tell everyone the truth about what happened. There may be other witnesses also.
4. Support person
Witness
A person who tells the court about what they have seen, heard or experienced. ’ support person. This is someone you know that will support you through this process. While the camera is on, they cannot talk to you.
5. Jury
The jury
Twelve people from the community who decide if the person is guilty or not guilty. is 12 people that decide if the defendant
The person accused of the crime. is guilty. They are strangers that don’t know the defendant or any of the witnesses’.
6. Prosecutor
The lawyer that works for the government. They present the evidence
Various things presented in court to prove an alleged fact i.e videos, witness statements. that shows the crime happened.
7. Defence lawyer
The defendant
The person accused of the crime. ’s lawyer. They will present the defendant’s case and ask you questions from them.
8. The defendant or accused
The person accused of the crime.
9. Prison Officer
They will stay with the defendant
The person accused of the crime. while they are at court.
10. Court attendant
They will be in the room with you while you answer questions to make sure everything is running smoothly.
11. Court victim advisor
They help you understand the court process and answer any questions you have.
d Where are people in the court?
Hover over or click a number to find out information about their role in court.
Judge
The boss of the courtroom. If there is not a jury, they decide if the defendant is guilty.
Registrar
Helps the judge and makes sure court process is followed.
Witness (you, in another room)
You are there to tell everyone the truth about what happened. There may be other witnesses also.
Witness’ support person
This is someone you know that will support you through this process. While the camera is on, they cannot talk to you.
Jury
The jury is 12 people that decide if the defendant is guilty. They are strangers that don’t know the defendant or any of the witnesses’.
Prosecutor
The lawyer that works for the government. They present the evidence that shows the crime happened.
Defence lawyer
The defendant’s lawyer. They will present the defendant’s case and ask you questions from them.
The defendant or accused
The person accused of the crime.
Prison Officer
They will stay with the defendant while they are at court.
Court attendant
They will be in the room with you while you answer questions to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Court victim advisor
They help you understand the court process and answer any questions you have.
Judge
The boss of the courtroom. If there is not a jury, they decide if the defendant is guilty.
Registrar
Helps the judge and makes sure court process is followed.
Witness (you, in another room)
You are there to tell everyone the truth about what happened. There may be other witnesses also.
Witness’ support person
This is someone you know that will support you through this process. While the camera is on, they cannot talk to you.
Jury
The jury is 12 people that decide if the defendant is guilty. They are strangers that don’t know the defendant or any of the witnesses’.
Prosecutor
The lawyer that works for the government. They present the evidence that shows the crime happened.
Defence lawyer
The defendant’s lawyer. They will present the defendant’s case and ask you questions from them.
The defendant or accused
The person accused of the crime.
Prison Officer
They will stay with the defendant while they are at court.
Court attendant
They will be in the room with you while you answer questions to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Court victim advisor
They help you understand the court process and answer any questions you have.
You won’t be able to see the person who has harmed you and they won’t be able to ask you questions themselves.