COURT | Part 2 | Who is who?

Judge or magistrate is in charge of the courtroom and sits at the high bench in front of everyone. They make sure the trial is run fairly, and decide the sentence.

Jury is made up of 12 people who listen to the evidence presented in a criminal trial, and decide whether the accused is guilty or not guilty. CDPP prosecutor explains the charges to the court and presents evidence against the defendant. Defence lawyer represents the person charged with breaking the law. Defendant is the person accused of breaking the law. If they’re in custody(=imprisonment), they will be in a secure area called the dock, with a police officer or corrective services officer sitting nearby. If they’re not in custody, they may sit near their lawyer. Victim or witness tells the court what happened to them, or what they heard or saw. Some witnesses, such as children and young people, may give evidence via a video link. Support person might be a family member, friend or counsellor(=lawyer), who has helped the victim or witness prepare for court. They go to court with them on the day. Public gallery is where your support person, family members, friends, journalists or other members of the public can sit Court officer/bailiff helps the judge and people coming into the court. They administer oaths(=promises) and affirmations(=support) to witnesses. Court reporter records what happens in court. Some courts record trials electronically. Corrective services officer provides security to people in custody. Judge’s associate helps the judge with documents and exhibits(=a document or other object produced in a court as evidence). Interpreter helps the court by translating what is said to a witness, and what the witness says. Media refers to journalists, who often attend court to report on what’s happened. Police officer may be asked to give evidence about their involvement in the case. Investigator may be a police officer, or someone from a government agency that investigates specific types of crime related to Commonwealth laws. For example, the Australian Taxation Office has specialist staff to investigate tax fraud.