Roles in court

A person who must defend his or her actions in court. They may be defending themselves against a criminal or civil charge or have had a court claim for money brought against them. In a criminal trial in the District Court and Supreme Court, a defendant is called the accused. The accused/defendant can represent themselves but can also have a solicitor or barrister represent them. They usually sit behind the bar table or in a section called the dock if they are in custody.

AVL enables remote participation for judges, lawyers, witnesses, and defendants through video and audio feeds. 

Helps the judicial officer and people coming into the courtroom. The court officer organises court lists, calls witnesses and administers oaths.

Court staff member who records the hearing and writes down or types what is being said.

Provides transport and security for people in custody.

Represents the defendant or accused person. Sometimes several defence lawyers represent the accused person. In the District Court and Supreme Court the defence barrister may wear a wig and gown.

Assists the court by translating speech from one language into another or by translating sign language into speech.

In the District Court and Supreme Court, the judicial officer is called a judge. You call a judicial officer 'Your Honour' when you are in court. In the Local Court the judicial officer is a magistrate. 

Helps the judge in court with documents and exhibits used in the case.

Citizens who sit on a jury and consider the evidence in court and decide on matters of fact. The jury is selected at random from the public and their job is to deliver a verdict on the case. In a criminal trial there is typically a jury of 12 people but in some cases there may be additional jurors. In civil cases there is typically a jury of four people. Cases in the Local Court are heard without a jury.

Representatives from the press, television and online services can attend most court proceedings, except those in the Children's Court.

Represents the police or the Crown in criminal matters. In the Local Court, the prosecutor is a specially trained police officer. In the District Court and Supreme Court, the prosecutor is a lawyer from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Members of the public are allowed into the public galleries of courtrooms in New South Wales to watch most cases. However, some cases, including all Children's Court cases, are closed to the public.

Come to court to offer support to particular witnesses. They are chosen by particular witnesses, but do not play a role in court proceedings.

Someone who gives evidence in a case. Witnesses answer questions asked by the prosecutor and the defence. Before giving evidence, each witness is asked to take an oath or affirmation, which is a promise to tell the truth.