The party bringing the witness must make a written application which is considered by a judicial officer. This is called a remote witness room.ĬCTV cameras are used in the courtroom to see the witness in the remote witness room. The witness can see the judicial officer and the lawyers on screens in the remote witness room.Īn application to use a remote witness room for a vulnerable witness must be made before the day of the hearing. Some courts have a room that is separate to the courtroom that witnesses can use to give their evidence. This can be a family member, friend, professional counsellor or person from an assistance program. A support person cannot speak on your behalf but they can be in the courtroom with you on the day.įind out more about support services for witnesses. You are allowed to bring a support person to court if you want to. Make sure you do not discuss your evidence with anyone before or during the case.

You cannot use your notes while giving evidence unless the judicial officer allows it. If you have made a statement or affidavit in the case, you should read it again before you go to court. If you have been asked to be a witness or received a subpoena to attend court as a witness there are some things you can do to help you prepare.įirst, find out who's who in the courtroom. A court can issue a warrant for the arrest of a witness who does not attend. A person that has been given a subpoena to attend a court to give evidence must comply with the subpoena. If you have been asked to attend court as a witness and you have a concern about the evidence you will be asked to give, you should consider getting legal advice. A witness is a person that has seen or has information about an event or issue that a court is making a decision about.

Role of lay witness