Appearing in the Royal Court

What happens at the Royal Court

The Royal Court deals with more serious cases. You would only be concerned with the Royal Court if the case was a sufficiently serious case to be sent from the Magistrate's Court.

You may be required to give evidence at trial before the Inferior Number of the Royal Court consisting of:

• the Bailiff
• the Bailiff's Deputy
• two jurats

Or, you may be required to give evidence in the Assize Court which is presided over by the Bailiff or his Deputy. Evidence is heard by a jury of 12 people.

In the Royal Court there will be:

• the Attorney General, or his representative
• a defence advocate, if the defendant is represented
• the Greffier
• Ushers
• Police
• Viscount’s Officer
• Probation Officers

There may also be other witnesses, press reporters and members of the public.

Being warned for court

You should normally have been given informal warning of the court date by the Law Officers’ Department. You must appear at court in answer to the warning or summons. If you foresee any difficulties, contact whoever warned or summoned you to explain the circumstances. For example, you may require the services of an interpreter. If you're a victim of crime, someone from Victims First Jersey may go with you.

Before you go to court

• dress appropriately for a court appearance
• make sure you know where the court is. The Royal Court is in the Royal Square
• be prepared to wait your turn to give evidence

Appearing in court as a witness

• make sure you arrive in time for the hearing bringing with you any relevant papers
• tell the usher who you are and the name of the accused. You will be shown where to wait
• it is advisable not to talk to anyone about the evidence you'll be giving in the case. You may be asked about this in court. If you do discuss the case with other people you may unwittingly prejudice your evidence. However, you can speak to the police, lawyers, court officials or other people who are dealing with the case
• do not leave the court until you're told that you're no longer needed
• if you have an important reason to leave early, tell the usher before the case starts. It may be possible for you to give evidence out of turn, although this cannot always be arranged

If you want to see inside any court before the case, you can do this by contacting the police officer in charge of the case or Victims First Jersey.

Support for victims of crime

Your case may be delayed or even put off to another date. This may be because an earlier case has gone on longer than expected or a person in the case does not arrive. Sometimes an accused pleads guilty on the day of the trial so witnesses are told at the last minute that their evidence is not needed.

When you give evidence

When you're called into the court you'll be shown to the witness box. You should stand, but if you find this difficult, ask to sit. You will then take the oath, that is to swear before God to tell the truth. If you prefer, you can affirm, that is to promise to tell the truth. If you want to affirm, tell the usher beforehand.

Remember

• the accused may have entered a plea of not guilty. Your evidence will help the court to decide whether the person is guilty or not guilty
• address all your answers to the presiding Judge in the Royal Court
• say if you are not sure of an answer
• take your time and speak slowly and clearly
• ask for questions to be repeated if you do not understand or cannot hear
• unless you are the accused, you can only say what you saw or heard, not what someone else has told you (known as hearsay)
• during your evidence you may be asked questions by the Judge. The accused’s advocate can also ask questions; this is called cross-examination. When you have finished giving your evidence you may be told you are free to leave the court. You may, if you wish, either leave or sit in the public area and listen to the rest of the case. Sometimes you might have to stay after you have given evidence. This usually only happens when there may be a possibility of your being asked to give further evidence or clarify some matter

Compensation

If you have been injured through a crime of violence, you can apply for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. It does not matter whether the offender has been caught or not.

If you have suffered personal injury, loss or damage resulting from the offence, you may make an application to the court for the accused to pay compensation to you. Produce any receipts or documents you may have to support your claim. If such an order is made, this is paid to you before the court collects any fines that it may impose.

Expenses

If you're a witness for the prosecution, you can claim back expenses incurred:

• by travelling to court by public transport
• your air fare (if you have to travel from the UK)
• subsistence allowance (meal allowance)

You may also be granted an allowance to compensate you for lost wages.

If you have incurred any expenses, ask the Usher for a Witness Costs Claim Form before you leave the Court. Again, it would be helpful if you can produce receipts or documents in support of your claim.

If you have any other queries or concerns, contact the Police Officer in charge of the case.