Have You Been a Victim of Crime? What's Next… - Office for Victims ...

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Can the judge ask me questions?
Yes. The judge may ask you questions at any time while you are on the witness stand
What if I don’t understand a question?
If you don’t understand a question, say “I don’t understand”, and ask for it to be
repeated or reworded. Don’t guess.
What if I don’t know the answer to a question?
If you don’t know the answer to a question, say “I don’t know”.
What if I don’t remember the answer?
If you don’t remember the answer to a question, say “I don’t remember”. You can
also ask to see the statement you gave to the police to refresh your memory. If you
remember the answer later, tell the Crown Attorney.
Will the accused be in the courtroom when I testify?
Yes. The accused will be in the courtroom, and it might be upsetting for you to see
him/her. So when you are on the witness stand, try to look at the lawyer asking the
questions, or at the judge, and concentrate on answering the questions being asked.
In some circumstances, a witness may be allowed to testify behind a screen or by
closed circuit television (CCTV). Speak to the Crown Attorney to see if this applies to you.
Who else will be in the courtroom?
The Criminal Justice Process
There will be a court clerk in the courtroom. The court clerk files various documents
related to the court proceedings, keeps a record of trial evidence, administers oaths,
and announces the beginning and end of court sessions.
There will also be a court reporter in the courtroom. The court reporter makes a
record of everything that is said in court. At the end of the trial, the court reporter’s
notes will form the official record of the trial. This is called the transcript.
There may also be members of the general public at the trial. Generally, trials are
public proceedings and anyone can attend. However, the judge may exclude the
general public from the trial if s/he thinks it is absolutely necessary.
Ministry of the Attorney General