1 What is the difference between a 93A and a Pre-recording?
When you originally spoke to the police, this conversation may have been recorded. This recording is called your 93A. Before you give evidence you will have a chance to watch this recording to refresh your memory. A “prerecording” is when you will actually give your evidence to the Court. This evidence will be recorded and played to the Court during the trial.
2 Who will hear my 93A?
Your 93A is called your “Evidence in Chief”. This means it is very important and tells the lawyers and the Judge what happened to you. Your 93A will be played to the Court and to the jury. You will not be present when this is played to the Court.
3 Will I have to see the Defendant?
You should not be able to see the Defendant. Every effort is taken so you won't see them when you are at the Court or during your pre-recording.
4 Can I talk about my evidence with family and friends?
You should not talk to family and friends about your evidence. This is particularly important if anyone else you know is also a complainant or witness in the case. It is important that the evidence you give is in your own words and is about what happened to you. By not talking to others about your evidence you can be sure you won't be influenced by anyone else's words or experiences.
5 What is the difference between Magistrates and District court?
In the Magistrates Court cases are heard by a Magistrate only. The Magistrate decides the outcome themselves. In a District Court, the matter is heard by a Judge and a jury. In District Court the jury decides the outcome. While the Judge decides the sentence.
6 Who will be in the court room when I give my evidence?
There will be a few people present in the Court room while giving your evidence. There will be the Judge, the Prosecutor, the Defence Barrister, the Bailiff and some official Court workers. The Defendant will also be in the room but you should not be able to see them.
7 What is the role of a VLO?
VLO stands for Victim Liaison Officer. It is the role of the VLO to communicate between the Prosecutor and the complainant, witnesses and their families. The VLO will let everyone know what is happen during the stages of the Court process and when people need to attend Court for 93As and pre-recordings.
8 What is a Victim Impact Statement?
A Victim Impact Statement or VIS, is a written statement from someone who has had an offence committed against them and has had a guilty plea or a guilty verdict against the defendant. A VIS should talk about the effects the offence had on that person, for example, if it affected a person’s ability to go to work or school or if they needed counselling or other medical support or maybe even just how the offence made them feel. A VIS is read by the Judge and it may be read aloud to the Court before sentencing.