If you have been asked to go to court as a witness, these videos can help you understand what to expect.

If you’re a parent, carer or guardian, you might find it helpful to watch these videos with the young person you support.

Why am I going to court?

This video has been created for younger children and uses simple language, gentle visuals and reassuring characters to help explain what going to court may involve. It is recommended for ages 5-11.

Video Description: This video introduces young children to going to court as a witness, using animated characters and simple visuals. It follows the experience of a young child named Olivia, exploring her questions about court, showing who might be there and what the courtroom looks like, and how the Witness Service will support her. Olivia then arrives at court, waits with a trusted adult, and answers questions from the witness box. A reassuring prompt at the end states it’s OK to not know an answer to a question as saying “I don’t know” is completely fine. Video closes with the Witness Service logo.

These videos are designed for older children and young people. They give a clearer, explanation of the court process, so young witnesses can feel more informed about what to expect. They are recommended for ages 12-17.

Why am I going to court?

This video explains why an older child or young person may be asked to go to court as a witness, and what it means to be a witness.

Video Description: This video explains why an older child or young person may need to go to court as a witness, using a mix of simple graphics, short videos, photo cut-outs and text. Opening title reads: “Why am I going to Court?” The video explains the job that witnesses have, and how it might make you feel. It explains how a witness may have seen, heard or known something and how explaining the truth in your own words is important. The video keeps a calm, step-by-step structure to introduce what giving evidence means. It ends by signposting to the next video about what happens when you go to court, closing with the Witness Service logo.

What happens when I go to court? (Crown Court)

This video explains what to expect when going to Crown Court, including who you might see there and what happens on the day.

Video Description: This video prepares older children for what to expect when going to Crown Court as a witness. It opens with a clip of people talking in a courtroom with a title “Who are the people at a Crown Court?” It then shows different people you might see at court, such as a judge, lawyers and a jury. It explains where you might give evidence including the courtroom or separate live link room. It follows the day from arrival, security checks, the witness waiting area, to being collected when it’s time to give evidence. It ends with reassurance for young witnesses who might be nervous and signposts to the next video about giving evidence and what happens after court.

What happens when I go to court? (Magistrates’ court)

This video explains what to expect when going to a Magistrates’ Court, including who you might see there and what happens on the day.

Video Description: This video prepares older children for what to expect when going to Magistrates’ Court as a witness, it begins with a video of people talking in a courtroom, with the title: “Who are the people at a Magistrates’ Court?” The video then explains the different people you might see at court, such as a district judge, magistrates, legal advisers, and lawyers. It explains where you might give evidence, including the courtroom or a separate live link room. It follows the day in sequence, showing arrival at court, security checks, the witness waiting area, and being collected when it is time to give evidence. The video ends with reassurance for young witnesses who might be nervous about giving evidence and signposts to the next video about giving evidence and what happens after court. It closes with the Witness Service logo.

How do I give my evidence and what happens next?

This video explains how you might give evidence at court, what support is available while you do this, and what may happen afterwards.

Video Description: This video explains how older children may give evidence at court and what may happen afterwards. Title reads: “What happens when I’m called to give evidence?”. It explains the process of a witness being taken to the courtroom or a live link room, giving evidence, being asked to tell the truth or take an oath, answering questions, and asking for help or a break if needed. It reassures young witnesses that saying “I don’t know” or asking for things to be explained differently is OK. It explores the support available to young witnesses, and what might happen after evidence has been given, including leaving court or returning to the waiting area, next steps in the justice system, and ends by acknowledging that young witnesses may have a variety of feelings after giving evidence and that support is available.