Crown Court - Preparing to come to court

Summary

This video script provides a detailed overview of the roles and procedures in a courtroom, focusing on the experience of a witness. It explains the function of key courtroom figures such as the judge, jury, prosecution, and defence barristers, and describes the process of giving evidence. It guides witnesses through the steps of taking an oath, answering questions, and following courtroom etiquette, while emphasizing the importance of staying impartial and not discussing the case until the trial is finished. The script ensures witnesses understand their rights and responsibilities throughout the trial process.

Takeaways

• 😀 The courtroom layout may vary, but the seating arrangement and roles of individuals generally remain consistent.
• 😀 The judge is responsible for ensuring fairness in the proceedings, making legal decisions, and managing the trial.
• 😀 The jury listens to all evidence presented and decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
• 😀 The defendant is the person accused of a crime and may be accompanied by a security guard in certain cases.
• 😀 The prosecuting barrister represents the prosecution, presenting evidence to convince the jury of the defendant’s guilt.
• 😀 The defense barrister represents the defendant, testing the strength of the prosecution’s case and presenting the defendant's side.
• 😀 Other individuals in the courtroom may include court officials, police, solicitors, or Crown Prosecution Service representatives.
• 😀 Members of the public and press may sit in the public gallery during proceedings, observing the trial.
• 😀 Court proceedings are digitally recorded, and microphones are tested before the hearing to ensure clarity.
• 😀 Witnesses swear an oath or make a non-religious affirmation before providing testimony, with accommodations available if needed.
• 😀 The judge advises witnesses to speak clearly and slowly, addressing the jury and ensuring they understand the testimony.
• 😀 After giving evidence, witnesses must refrain from discussing the case or posting details on social media until the trial concludes.

Q & A

What are the roles of people in a courtroom?

In a courtroom, each person has a specific role. These include the judge, who makes decisions about the law and ensures fairness; the jury, which listens to evidence and decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty; the defendant, who is accused of a crime; the prosecution and defense barristers, who present evidence for and against the defendant; and the usher, who helps with courtroom logistics.

Does the judge always wear a wig in court?

No, the judge does not always wear a wig. While wigs are a traditional part of court attire, they are not mandatory in all cases.

What is the role of the prosecuting barrister?

The prosecuting barrister acts on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service or another prosecutorial agency. Their role is to present evidence to persuade the jury that the defendant has committed the crime they are charged with.

Who is the defendant in a court case?

The defendant is the person on trial, accused of a crime. In some cases, there may be more than one defendant.

What does the defense barrister do?

The defense barrister represents the defendant. They present the defendant's case, including testing the strength of the prosecution's evidence.

Can people in the public gallery speak during the trial?

No, members of the public in the gallery should remain quiet and do not have a speaking role in the trial. However, they can watch the proceedings.

What should witnesses do before giving evidence in court?

Before giving evidence, witnesses must swear an oath or make a non-religious affirmation to tell the truth. They can choose to swear on a holy book like the Bible, Quran, or Torah, or simply make a promise to tell the truth.

How should a witness respond to questions during the trial?

Witnesses should direct their answers to the jury, as they are the ones who need to hear the answers clearly. The judge may remind the witness to speak slowly enough for accurate recording, and to clarify if they do not understand a question or cannot remember something.

What happens when a witness has finished giving their evidence?

Once a witness has completed their evidence, they are instructed to leave the witness box. The judge will thank them for their testimony, and they are reminded not to discuss the case or post details on social media until the trial is over.

What should witnesses avoid after testifying in court?

Witnesses should avoid discussing the case or their evidence with anyone, including the press, and should refrain from posting any details on social media until the trial is concluded.