Judge
The Judge is in charge of the courtroom in Supreme and District Court and makes sure that the rules are followed. The Judge is one of the people who will speak to you, and you will see them on the screen from the private room where you give evidence from. The Judge usually wears a wig and a black robe and is called 'Your Honour'. If the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty, then the Judge also decides what their sentence will be.
Magistrate
The Magistrate is in charge of the courtroom in Magistrates Court. They can make decisions on simple offences and what the sentence will be. They also decide if more serious matters should go for trial in a higher court. They are also a Judge and are called 'Your Honour' and will usually wear a black robe.
Jury
The jury is a group of people from the community who listen to all of the evidence in a Trial to decide if there is enough evidence to prove someone has broken the law. They all must agree on the decision.
Bailiff
You will meet the Bailiff when you give your evidence in court. They will ask you to tell the truth by swearing an oath or an affirmation. They help by assisting with things that the Judge or Magistrate need to happen to make the court function.
Defence Lawyers
Lawyers are people who have studied the law at university, so they can guide and support people who have to go to court. The Defence Lawyer is the person who will work for the Defendant (the person accused of breaking the law). In the Supreme and District Courts they will also work with a Defence Barrister who will wear a wig and a robe. You will see the Defence Lawyer or Barrister on the screen when you give your evidence, and they will ask you questions about what happened.
Prosecutor
The Prosecutor is also a Lawyer who is there to help the Judge and jury understand all the evidence against the Defendant including your evidence. Your evidence is a testimony or description of what has happened. The Prosecutor will ask you questions to explain to the Judge and jury or Magistrate what happened. It's important to help the Prosecutor by always telling the truth. In the Supreme and District Courts they will also wear a wig and gown. You will see them on the video screen when they are talking to you.
In the Magistrates Court it will usually be a Police Prosecutor that presents the case and asks you questions. They may be in Police uniform or sometimes in plain clothes.
Additional Characters
In the Courts there may be other people assisting who work for the Court. These include clerks, associates, and Court reporters. These people help Magistrates and Judges and record what is said during the case. You will not usually see these people on the camera while you give your evidence.