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Who's who in the Local Court
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Court officer | Public
| Police Prosecutor | Your
lawyer | You (the defendant) | Witnesses
| Magistrate
The Magistrate
The Magistrate decides whether you are guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty
or are found guilty, the Magistrate will decide what the penalty will be.
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You (defendant)
You can represent yourself or have a lawyer represent you. If you donít have
a lawyer, go to the microphone towards the front of the court beside the bar table,
when your case is called by the court officer.
Speak clearly and loudly. Listen carefully to everything and if you donít understand
something, ask the Magistrate or your lawyer to explain it to you.
If you are not ready for your case to go ahead because you need legal advice, an interpreter or information that will help you, ask the Magistrate to delay your case until another day. This is called an adjournment.
If you are given any papers relating to your court case, make sure you read them or have them read for you. Bring your papers with you every time you go to court.
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Your lawyer
The person who represents you at court. The lawyer will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty, conduct your case at the hearing and/or tell the court about you in sentencing.
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The police prosecutor
S/he represents the police in criminal matters. In serious cases, the prosecutor may be a lawyer from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
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The court officer
Organises the court lists and calls people into the courtroom. When the court officer calls your name, tell them who you are, then go into court.
S/he will show you where to stand if you are not sure.
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Witnesses
Give their version of the events which caused your case to be in court. If you are pleading not guilty, you can bring witnesses on the day your matter is for hearing to help with your case. The police prosecutor can also call witnesses. Witnesses can be questioned by you or your lawyer, the prosecutor or the Magistrate.
Witnesses must stay outside the courtroom until their name is called. When a witness
enters the court they stand in the witness box (pictured).
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The public
Most cases heard in the Local Court are open to the public. You can bring friends
or family with you for support when your case is on.
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