Watch our step-by-step guide on what to expect on the day of the trial if you're giving evidence as a witness.
When you arrive you will need to pass through security, so think carefully about what you need to bring with you and what you can remove from your bag. Courts are very safe and secure, and they are also very well sign-posted.
After you arrive, you will need to find where your case is being heard. Cases are listed under the defendant's name and a representative from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will be there to meet you and take you to the court room. You can arrange to speak to the Witness Care Unit at this point, if you haven’t before.
There may be a bit of a wait before your turn in court, and during this time you can refresh your memory of the previous statements you made to the police. You may also want to bring something with you to do during this time, like a book to read or puzzles to complete.
When it is your turn, an usher will come to lead you to the evidence box. You may be asked to stand up while you speak, but the ushers can provide an alternative if you can’t for any reason. You will be given an oath to read - this can be an affirmation on the holy book of your religion or a promise to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. You must tell the absolute truth in court.
When you give evidence, you can be asked questions from both sides. If you are a prosecution witness, the prosecution lawyer will take you through your evidence first; then the defence lawyer will ask you questions to ‘cross-examine’ you.
If you aren’t sure of any answers, say so. Don’t guess. And don’t be afraid to ask for a question to be repeated or re-worded.
After your evidence has finished, you will be officially released. You can choose to go home or stay and listen to the rest of the case.
After the case, you will be contacted by the Witness Care Unit to tell you the outcome of the case. This team is still there to help you even after the trial.
It is a difficult but incredibly valuable job to give evidence - thank you.
