What special measures may be available?
Things your Witness Care Officer needs to know about:
- If you have a disability that may affect the way in which you need to give your evidence
- If English is not your first language or if you have any other communication needs
- If you are the parent, guardian or carer of a witness that has specific needs
- Or simply, if there is anything else you would like to discuss.
Screens:
A screen is placed around the witness box so that the defendant cannot see you.
Live link (also known as video link):
The witness sits in another room and gives evidence through a live TV link. The witness can see the legal representatives and the court room and the people in the court can see the witness via a television in the court room.
Evidence in private:
The public gallery is cleared except for one member of the press.
Removal of wigs and gowns:
This is only applicable to the Crown Court: the Judges and Lawyers no longer wear wigs or gowns.
Video recorded evidence in chief:
If a witness has made a statement whilst being recorded, that video will be shown to the court as the witness’s evidence. However the person still needs to go to court so that they can be asked questions about their statement.
Aids to communication:
Child witnesses under 18 or adult witnesses who are vulnerable because of their physical, mental or learning disability or disorders are allowed to use a communication aid (for example, an alphabet board).
Intermediary:
An approved independent intermediary can help those with a physical, mental or learning disability
or disorder to help communicate with legal representatives and the court.
We aim to meet the needs of each individual witness. Please help us to do this by talking to your Witness Care Officer.