"I am a Witness" - Guide to the child witness process"

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Words And Meanings

Children's Court

Judge/Magistrate - This is the Judge/Magistrate. They are in charge of the court and make sure everybody follows the rules.

Police Prosecutor - This is the Police Prosecutor they are a special kind of police officer. They present the case against the person charged with the offences in the court.

Defence Barrister - This is the Defence Barrister his job is to help the accused or defendant in court.

Bench Clerk - This is the Bench Clerk. They help the Magistrate in court.

Magistrate Court (Contest)

Judge/Magistrate - This is the Judge/Magistrate. They are in charge of the court and make sure everybody follows the rules.

Police Prosecutor - This is the Police Prosecutor they are a special kind of police officer. They present the case against the person charged with the offences in the court.

Defence Barrister - This is the Defence Barrister his job is to help the accused or defendant in court.

Bench Clerk - This is the Bench Clerk. They help the Magistrate in court.

Magistrate Court (Committal)

Judge/Magistrate - This is the Judge/Magistrate. They are in charge of the court and make sure everybody follows the rules.

OPP Barrister - This is the Prosecutor he will argue the case against the person charged with the offences.

OPP Solicitor - This is the OPP solicitor they are responsible preparing the criminal prosecution case. They work closely with the prosecutor.

Defence Barrister - This is the Defence Barrister his job is to help the accused or defendant in court.

Bench Clerk - This is the Bench Clerk. They help the Magistrate in court.

County Court

Judge/Magistrate - This is the Judge/Magistrate. They are in charge of the court and make sure everybody follows the rules.

Tipstaff - The Tipstaff is one of the Judge's staff.

Associate - The Associate is one of the Judge's staff.

OPP Barrister - This is the Prosecutor he will argue the case against the person charged with the offences.

OPP Solicitor - This is the OPP solicitor they are responsible preparing the criminal prosecution case. They work closely with the prosecutor.

Defence Barrister - This is the Defence Barrister his job is to help the accused or defendant in court.

Jury - This is the jury. They are a group of people from the community brought together to hear all the evidence and decide if the person charged with the crime is guilty or not guilty. They can only find the person guilty if the prosecutor has provided enough evidence to prove it "beyond reasonable doubt".