Giving Evidence in Court

The idea of going to court to give evidence may seem daunting. Knowing what to expect will make the experience less of an ordeal.

Before the Trial

Any paperwork received should be read carefully – in particular the date and location of the trial should be checked and re-checked. Witnesses should make sure they know where the court is and how to get there. The Witness Service can arrange for witnesses to have a look around the court before the day of the trial. Alternatively, most trials are open to the public so anyone can go to their local Crown Court to watch a trial.

Special Requirements

Witnesses who have special requirements – for example those who need an interpreter or who have a disability – should contact the Witness Service prior to the trial. The Witness Service will make any necessary arrangements to ensure that witnesses are as comfortable as possible.

The Day of the Trial

As soon as they arrive at court witnesses should sign in for their case. Notices will tell visitors to the court where they need to go. If in any doubt, ask a receptionist, usher or security guard who will be able to point people in the right direction.

Witnesses should be able to have a look at their witness statements before they give evidence. A trial will often take place a long time after the statement was given and memories may have faded in the meantime.

Predicting exactly how long a trial will take or when a particular witness will be needed is not always easy. Witnesses may find that they have to wait around for some time before they are called into court. Witnesses should not talk to anyone about their evidence until the trial has ended.

Being Sworn in as a Witness

When the court is ready for a particular witness they will be called into the courtroom and the usher will lead them to the witness box. Before a witness begins to give their evidence the usher will ask them to swear to tell the truth. If a witness has a religion they take an oath on the holy book applicable to that religion. The usher will help locate the correct book and give the witness a card which has on it the words they have to say. Those who do not have a religion will affirm.

In either event once a witness has been “sworn in” they are on oath and anything they say must be the truth. Lying on oath can be a very serious crime.

Giving Evidence in Court

Once a witness has been sworn in they are ready to give evidence. A barrister or solicitor representing the party who has called the witness will begin to ask some questions. The purpose of the questions is to get the same information from the witness as they gave in their witness statement. This is known as evidence-in-chief.

Witnesses may find the following tips helpful:

• Listen carefully to all questions.
• Make sure questions are understood before answering; only answer the question that has actually been asked.
• If a witness does not understand a question, cannot remember or does not know the answer they are entitled to say so.
• Although a lawyer will be asking the questions witnesses should address their answers to the judge.
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Keep calm and do not argue with the lawyer.

Cross Examination and Re-Examination

When a witness has finished giving his evidence, the lawyer for the other side is entitled to cross -examine that witness. The purpose of cross-examination is to cast doubt on the witness’s evidence. This is the lawyer’s job – it is not a personal attack on the witness. The lawyer can, and will, ask leading questions. Witnesses should not allow themselves to be swayed or bullied into changing their stories from what they know to be true.

Once a witness has been cross-examined the first lawyer may ask a few more questions to clarify anything that was said during cross-examination. Occasionally the judge may also ask a few questions.

Witness Protection

Threatening or attempting to influence a witness is a very serious, criminal matter. If a witness, or their family, is threatened or intimidated because of their role in a trial they should immediately approach the Witness Service, a member of the Crown Prosecution Service or the police. In extreme cases people may be placed in a witness protection programme.

The Role of Witnesses in the Criminal Justice System

Without witnesses many criminals would never be convicted. Courts can be intimidating places and witnesses can sometimes feel as if it is they who are on trial. Anyone who acts as a witness should bear in mind the vital role they play in the administration of justice.