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Being a witness
Preparing for court
Think about the event/s you will be giving evidence about. What happened first and what happened next? Try to remember details like dates, times, descriptions, actions and exact words used. Read the statement you gave to the police. If you do not have a copy, you can ask the police officer involved in the case or the lawyer for a copy. Bring to court any statements, notes or documents you have about the case.
The day in court
When you get to the court, go to the court office or inquiry counter and ask where you should wait. Do not discuss your evidence with any other witnesses. Be prepared to wait. If you require special care or feel threatened in any way tell the police officer or the lawyer. Courts usually sit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In the courtroom
Someone will call you when it is your turn to give evidence. You will then be shown to the witness box at the front of the courtroom. A court officer will read out the oath and ask you to swear to tell the truth on the Bible. If you do not wish to swear on the Bible, tell the court officer and you may make an affirmation instead. The Crown Prosecutor or Director of Public Presecutions (DPP) lawyer will ask you questions about what happened. The accused’s lawyer will then 'cross examine' you. The Judge or Magistrate may also ask you questions about your evidence. Judges sit in the District Court and Supreme Courts and are addressed as 'Your Honour'. Magistrates sit in the local Court and are addressed as 'Your Worship'.
Giving evidence
Consider each question before you answer. If you do not understand a question, please say so. Take your time so you can give a complete answer. If you are not sure about an answer, say so. Speak clearly.
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