Witness

What should I do when I get to court? | Who will be in court? | What should I call the coroner? | How should I behave in court? | What will I have to do in court?

You, as a witness, can tell the court about something that happened, something you saw or something you heard. The Coroner needs to know what happened so a decision can be made on how the person died.

What should I do when I get to court?

If you have been asked to go to court as a witness you will be told the time and the date of the court hearing by the person who has asked you to be a witness.

When you arrive at the courthouse you will have to pass through security.

You should then report to the courthouse reception. The receptionist will tell you which courtroom your matter is in and where to wait.

When it is time to go into court you will be called.

Who will be in court?

Inquest Courts are 'open' so the following people may be in the courtroom;

• the Coroner;
• the coroner's officer;
• court clerk;
• court usher;
• representatives from the police;
• advocates representing other interested persons;
• members of the public in the public gallery; and
• the media and reporters (newspapers/radio, etc)

What should I call the Coroner?

The Coroner is the High Bailiff/Deputy High Bailiff and is referred to as:

Your Worship

How should I behave in court?

Please switch off or silence your mobile phone or pager before coming into the courtroom. Items such as video cameras, tape recorders, radios or other electronic equipment are not allowed in the courtroom.

As this court is an "open court", you must stand while addressing the judge or if they are addressing you. If you wish to be seated in the witness box rather than standing you may be able to gain the permission from the judge to do so depending on your reasons. When you are standing, do not fold your arms across your chest or put your hands in your pockets. You must be polite at all times, never shout or use vulgar expressions or interrupt someone else while they are speaking. You must remain calm, everyone will get their turn to speak. Do not interrupt the judge, be aware if you are rude to the judge you may be charged with contempt of court.

If you wish to hand any documents to the judge you must ask for permission. You must then hand them to the court clerk or usher who will then pass them to the judge.

What will I have to do in court?

You will be asked by the court to say what you saw/heard so that the court can build up a picture of what happened and reach a decision.

When you are asked by to give your evidence, the court usher will bring you into the courtroom and ask you to stand in the witness box.

You must be sworn in before you give your evidence. To do this you will be asked to take the oath, which you can take on a Holy Book of your religion, or you can affirm (promise) to tell the truth. The court usher will usually check with you before court which one you want to do. You must read the oath or affirmation aloud. If you have any trouble reading the oath/affirmation card the court usher will read it to you, you must repeat what they say.

The Coroner will then ask you some questions about what you saw/heard. Your advocate (if you are represented), the advocates of other parties and the family of the deceased may also ask you questions. Please answer any questions directly and clearly.

When you have finished giving your evidence you will be told by the Coroner that you can be excused and you can either leave the court or sit in the public gallery until the court session is finished.

Please be aware that, under section 27(4) of the High Court Act 1991, all court proceedings are digitally recorded. For further information please refer to our In-Court Technology section.