Preparing for court
Going to court as a key witness or complainant in a criminal matter can be a stressful experience. The ODPP will assist you in your preparation by speaking with you beforehand to explain the key Court processes, your role in those processes, and to answer any questions you may have.
Preparing for court
Lawyers seated at a table inside court room with legal documents, illustrating discussion of the prosecution process.

About the prosecution process

The ODPP prosecute serious crimes. The prosecution of those matters will generally occur in the District and Supreme Court. This section explains the possible steps that the process may take.

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Group of people reviewing paperwork together, representing answering common questions about court.

Early questions

Being called as a witness or victim in a criminal court case is a new experience for most people. This section provides answers to commonly asked questions.  

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People standing and talking outside a courthouse, representing preparation before attending court.

Before you go to court

If you are a victim or another key witness in the case, it is likely the ODPP will wish to speak to you beforehand to help you prepare and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

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Courthouse building with large columns, representing attending court in person.

Going to court

This section explains the practicalities of attending Court on the day. 

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Courtroom scene with a person speaking from the witness stand, representing giving evidence in court.

Giving evidence

This section describes what will happen at court and when you are in the witness box. 

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Colourful objects arranged in a structured pattern, representing specialised support arrangements for vulnerable witnesses.

Court arrangements for vulnerable witnesses

Vulnerable witnesses (children and victims of sexual assault and personal violence) have additional protections when giving evidence. This section explains those protections.

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