Going to court as a witness if you're under 18

Summary

If you decide to report a crime you’ll need to tell a police officer about what happened. They’ll write down what you say or make a video of it - this is called a statement. The police and other people involved in the case - for example the judge, will read your statement or watch your video. It might be used as evidence in court. Your parents or whoever looks after you won’t usually be in the room with you when you make a statement. If you want to stop and see them, just ask the police officer. You’ll be told whether or not you need to go to court, usually by the police or a lawyer if you’re a witness for the defence. If you do have to go to court, you might not even have to give evidence on the day. For example, this can happen if the person the police think did the crime admits it. If you have to go to court, you can get help from the Witness Service. They will help you throughout the process. You can get free and confidential help from the Witness Service. They can give you emotional support and help you understand the court process. You can get help from the Witness Service on the Witness Service website. The police or the person who asked you to go to court can also arrange.

Key information

• •come to your home, school or somewhere you feel safe to discuss what will happen in court
• •answer any questions you have about the case
• •support you in court on the day of the trial
• •give your evidence in a special way in the courtroom - for example from behind a screen so you can’t see the person accused of the crime
• •give evidence from outside the courtroom - for example by video link
• •have the judge and lawyers wear normal clothes instead of their wigs and gowns
• •have someone to sit next to you in court to help you understand any difficult words the judge or lawyers use
• •ask them to repeat a question or ask it in a different way
• •say if you don’t know the answer
• •ask them to explain any words you don’t understand
• •make a mistake or get confused
• •feel upset and want to stop

Practical guidance

• •Source: [Going to court as a witness if you're under 18](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/going-to-court-as-a-witness1/get-help-and-support-being-a-witness/going-to-court-as-a-witness-if-youre-under-18/)

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