What will happen on the day of the trial as a witness

Summary

When you go into the courtroom, you’ll be ‘sworn in’ - this means you agree to tell the truth. It’s a criminal offence if you don’t tell the truth. You don’t have to remember what to say when you’re sworn in - you’ll be given a card with the words on it. The lawyer representing the side which asked you to give evidence will start asking you questions. When the lawyer asks you questions you can: * ask them to repeat a question or ask it in a different way * ask them to explain any words you don’t understand You’ll normally have to stand while you're in the witness box. If you find standing difficult, you can ask the magistrate or the judge if you can sit down. After you've given evidence for the side which called you as a witness, you'll be asked questions by the lawyer for the other side. This is called cross-examination. It’s their job to try to present a different version of events. It can feel stressful but just tell the court in your own words what happened to you or what you saw. If you don’t understand a question, feel upset by the questions or feel unwell, you should say so. The magistrate or judge might let you have a break before you carry on. You can ask for a drink of.

Key information

• •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
• •When you go into the courtroom, you’ll be ‘sworn in’ - this means you agree to tell the truth. It’s a criminal offence if you don’t tell the truth. You don’t have to remember what to say when you’re sworn in - you’ll be given a card with the words on it.
• •The lawyer representing the side which asked you to give evidence will start asking you questions.
• •* ask them to repeat a question or ask it in a different way
• •You’ll normally have to stand while you're in the witness box. If you find standing difficult, you can ask the magistrate or the judge if you can sit down.
• •After you've given evidence for the side which called you as a witness, you'll be asked questions by the lawyer for the other side. This is called cross-examination.
• •It’s their job to try to present a different version of events. It can feel stressful but just tell the court in your own words what happened to you or what you saw. If you don’t understand a question, feel upset by the questions or feel unwell, you should say so. The magistrate or judge might let you have a break before you carry on. You can ask for a drink of water or a tissue if you need one.
• •If you want to leave the court building, for example to get some fresh air, you should ask the person from the Witness Service and they’ll pass on your request.
• •If you’re allowed to leave the building, you should let them know where you’re going and how you can be contacted. You shouldn’t go too far away in case you're needed back at short notice.
• •You’re free to go after you’ve given evidence. You can stay to watch the rest of the trial if you're aged 14 or over. You’ll sit in the courtroom with other members of the public.

Practical guidance

• •Source: [What will happen on the day of the trial as a witness](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/going-to-court-as-a-witness1/preparing-to-go-to-court-as-a-witness/what-will-happen-on-the-day-of-the-trial-as-a-witness/)

Related topics