1 Screen
On the screen you WILL be able to see:
- The Judge
- The Prosecutor
- The Defence Barrister
- Yourself and the PACT or another Support / Intermediary Worker
You MIGHT be able to see:
- The Bailiff
- Other Court staff
- Documents, pictures or video evidence
You WILL NOT be able to see:
- The Defendant and, because the court will be “Closed”, you WILL NOT be able to see:
- The Jury
- The Public Gallery
- Other witnesses
The Judge, Crown Prosecutor and Defence Barrister's will all speak with you and ask you questions via the screen.
2 Camera
The camera allows the Judge, Prosecutor and Defence Barrister to see you and your PACT Support Person when you are giving your evidence. It is important that you try and sit still and don’t move about or fidget too much when you are giving your evidence. It is also important that you don’t move your chair (or chairs) because the Court staff have specially positioned the chairs and the camera to get the best picture.
3 Microphone / Table
The Table will not have many items on it but will most likely have:
- a microphone
- tissues
- water
- Bible or other religious text to help you take an Oath or Affirmation before you give evidence
You should always assume that the microphone is on. The microphone is extremely sensitive and will pick up the slightest sounds. Your PACT Support Person may give you a “stress star” to help if you feel like fidgeting, but will usually not be able to speak with you while you are in the room. When an Intermediary is present in the room with you, they may speak with the Judge, Prosecutor and Defence Barrister. Always try to speak as clearly as possible and remember to use words instead of nodding or shaking your head.
4 ACW Chair
When you sit at the table, you may have your PACT Support Person or an Intermediary sitting beside you. Remember to not move your chair or to rock or fidget. If you get tired or thirsty you can always ask for a break.
5 Support / Additional Chair
If there is an Intermediary in the Remote Witness Room, the PACT Support Person may not be able to sit beside you and will have to sit at the back or off to the side of the room. The Judge may also tell everyone where they would like people to sit in the Remote Witness Room.
6 Support Dog
Some Courts will allow a Support Dog to be in the waiting room and in the Remote Witness Room. The dogs are highly trained and may sit on the lounge near you and should be very still while you are giving your evidence. Support dogs may help you feel calm before or while you give your evidence.