Criminal Court Preparation

These videos explain what happens before, during and after a criminal trial when you’re testifying as a witness.

Preparing to go to court

This video explains how you can prepare for court.

Information includes:

• what a subpoena is
• testimonial aids available for victims and vulnerable witnesses
• safety, including what to do if you feel unsafe
• general tips for preparing for court

• Watch preparing to go to court video.

When you arrive at court

This video explains what to expect when you arrive at court.

Information includes:

• when to arrive
• the security screening process
• meeting with the Crown Attorney and defence attorney
• what an exclusion order means for witnesses
• what a publication ban is for a sexual assault case, and how you can request one

• Watch when you arrive at court video.

The general court process

This video explains what happens in a courtroom during a criminal trial.

Information includes:

• what to do while other witnesses are testifying
• what an adjournment is
• what reasonable doubt means
• the roles of the Crown attorney and defence attorney
• what happens during cross examination and closing arguments

• Watch the general court process video.

Trial by judge and jury

This video explains how jury trials are different from trials by judge.

Information includes:

• the roles of the judge and jury
• how jurors are selected

• Watch trial by judge and jury video.

When called as a witness

This video explains what happens when it’s your turn to testify as a witness.

Information includes:

• taking an oath or affirmation
• what to expect when you testify

• Watch when called as a witness video.

After you testify

This video explains what happens after you’re done testifying.

• what to do after you’ve finished testifying
• how to get a court transcript or information about the outcome of the trial
• witness fees and other expenses you can claim

• Watch after you testify video.

Verdict and sentencing

This video explains what happens when the judge or jury reaches a decision.

Information includes:

• what acquittals and convictions mean
• what happens during a sentencing hearing
• how to submit a victim impact statement for the sentencing hearing
• what happens if the Crown or defence appeals the case

• Watch verdict and sentencing video.

After the completion of court

Information about evidence returns, Restitution claims and help collecting, Criminal Injuries Counselling Program and custody term details.

Information includes:

• how long evidence will be kept after the trial or appeal
• how to submit a restitution claim for damages the offender caused you
• how the Criminal Injuries Counselling Program can help victims with trauma
• how to get information about where the offender is being held in custody and when they will be released

• Watch after the completion of court video.