Extra help in court
Most people don’t see the inside of a courtroom until they are called as a witness or asked to sit on a jury, which makes them unfamiliar places. They are also very formal and can sometimes seem quite frightening, so it’s not surprising that being a witness is a stressful experience for most people.
If you have additional needs, going to court can be even more daunting. It can also be particularly frightening for children and young witnesses. We work closely with Social Services, who provide support for people under 18 giving evidence at court.
In the Isle of Man, the criminal justice system has what it calls special measures in court, to make it easier for people who need extra help to give evidence. These measures can also be used to make it easier for witnesses who are being threatened or intimidated to give their evidence.
Special measures can include:
- the use of screens or curtains so that you don’t have to see the defendant across the courtroom
- giving evidence from outside the courtroom via a live video link
- getting members of the court to remove their gowns and wigs, so that they look more ‘normal’.
If you feel that you have any specific needs or require special measures in court, please inform the Police Officer in charge of your case or a welfare officer at Victim Support.
Vulnerable witnesses with communication difficulties
Some vulnerable witnesses and victims need assistance with communication and understanding in order to achieve their best evidence – Specially trained Police Officers assist them in communicating during an investigation and at trial.