Waiting Room
This is where you will spend most of your time whilst you are at court waiting to give your evidence. There may be a separate young people's waiting area, or you may wait in the main waiting room. There will be lots of information available and your Witness Service Supporter will be with you in this room to explain what is going on with the trial and help answer any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some questions that other young witnesses have asked me.
Why is it taking so long?
Sometimes things happen in a trial that means that you have to wait longer to give your evidence than you were told. The Code for Victims says that everyone should try to make sure that you don't have to wait longer than two hours but sometimes other witnesses take longer than planned. Occasionally the judge may ask you to go home and come back at another time. You can ask your young witness supporter at any time what is happening in your case and they will try and find out for you.
Can I go out and get some food?
Your young witness supporter can try and find out how long it will be before you need to give your evidence. If they can find this out then it may be possible to go somewhere close to the courtroom for a short time. It's always best to bring food with you if you can, or find out if the court has a café.
I'm getting stressed - is there somewhere else I can go?
There may be other waiting rooms and spaces that young witnesses can go if they are struggling to wait in the main waiting room. This depends on the court you are in and what space there is available. Talk to your young witness supporter to check if you can move somewhere else.
Can I talk to my friends online or on the phone?
Once you are in the court building it is important that you do not tell anybody what is happening in the court or in your trial. This is because it might affect what decision the judge makes in your case. If you want to text or message (probably best not to use your phone to call in the waiting room) then keep the topic away from what's happening in court.
How do I still follow my religious practice in court?
You may need a separate room to pray during the time you are in the court building, or need to be sat with people who are the same gender as you. Talk to your young witness supporter who will try and arrange a suitable space for you.
If you wear anything that covers your face, as part of your religious dress, it is important that you talk to your police officer or young witness supporter to let the judge know - so that they can make a decision about this.
People who can help
The waiting room is a place where we can wait together until it is time to give your evidence.
Family members 
Intermediary
Interpreter
Other supporters
Family members
I will wait in the waiting room until it is time to give your evidence. Your witness supporter can help you decide if you then want me to sit in the courtroom and watch you give your evidence, or if you would prefer for me to stay in the waiting room.
Intermediary
I may sit with you some of the time but will also need to go and speak with lawyers and the judge.
Interpreter
I will wait with you in the waiting room and help you to communicate if you have any questions whilst we are waiting.
Other supporters
I will wait in the waiting room until it is time to give your evidence. Your young witness supporter can help you decide if you then want me to sit in the courtroom and watch you give your evidence, or if you would prefer for me to stay in the waiting room.
Clock
The waiting times for all witnesses are different as it is hard to know how long other witnesses may need to give their evidence or if there will be a hold up on the day.
The Victims' Code says that everyone involved in your case will try to make sure you do not have to wait more than two hours in court; however, there are sometimes delays which cannot be helped. Your witness supporter will let you know how long you may have to wait and let you know if you are likely to wait longer on the day.
You may need to wait in the waiting room for some time before you can give your evidence so it is important you are prepared and pack your bag with things to help pass the time.
Other witnesses
There may be other witnesses in the waiting room as you wait to give your evidence. You will not wait in the same room as the defendant. There are separate rooms for defence witnesses and prosecution witnesses. It is important that you do not disturb others and that you do not discuss any evidence with them. You can speak to your young witness supporter if you have any questions about other people who may be in the waiting room.
Mobile phone, iPods and tablets
You may have chosen to bring your mobile phone along with you to play games or listen to music whilst you wait to give your evidence. It is important to remember the following points if you choose to bring your mobile phone:
- Keep your phone on silent or use your headphones so you don't disturb others in the waiting room
- Turn your phone off when it is time to give your evidence
- Do not share anything about what is happening at court on social media sites or over the phone
- Do not take any photos, videos or voice recordings whilst in the court building
Drinks/refreshments
Every court is different and in some courts you will be able to bring your own snacks and drinks along with you, but in others you will not.
Some courts may have a café or a snack machine for you to buy refreshments, or tea and coffee facilities, but some may not.
Your witness supporter will be able to tell you what you can and cannot bring along.
Young Witness Packs
These contain information to help prepare you for giving evidence in court. You may have got one of these already. It is best if you go through this with your witness supporter, as they understand it and can answer questions you may have about court.
Facilities
Each court is different so you can speak to your Young Witness Supporter to find out more information on where things are, or if they are available, including:
- Accessible Toilets
- Café
- Vending Machine
- Tea / Coffee making facilities
- Lifts
- Ramps
Usher
I am the usher and it is my job to keep you and your young witness service supporter updated. I will show you to the courtroom or the live link room depending on where you are giving your evidence from.
Victims' Code
All victims of crime have a right to some types of information and support from organisations like the police and courts. The Victims' Code tells you what these rights are.
Find out more information about the Victims' Code
Witness Charter
The Witness Charter tells you the support you can get and how you should be treated if you are giving evidence in court.
Find out more information about the Easy Read Witness Charter
Treating everyone with respect
Everyone in the court should treat you with respect, especially regarding your:
- age
- ethnicity
- gender
- learning difficulty or physical impairment
- religion
- sexuality
- sexual identity
You should not feel intimidated or singled out at any time. If you feel that you have been treated unfairly, you can speak to your young witness supporter or you can make a complaint.
