Courtroom Roles (Australia)

Someone who is charged with a crime. These people usually sits in a section called the dock, or behind the bar table.

• Defence lawyer

• Judge

• Witness

• The Accused

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

• Barrister

• Witness

• Judge

• The Accused

Represents the police or state in criminal matters. In the magistrates court, they is a specially trained police officer while in the district or supreme court, they are a lawyer from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

• Prosecutor

• Witness

• Judge

• The Accused

Citizens who sit on a panel and consider the evidence in court and decide on matters of fact. They are members are selected at random from the public. They deliver a verdict on the case.

• Defence Lawyer

• Witness

• Jurors

• Judge's Associate

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

• Defence Barrister

• Witness

• Court Orderly

• Judge's Associate

Helps the judge and people coming into the courtroom. He or she organises court lists, calls witnesses and administers oaths.

• Defence Barrister

• Prosecution Barrister

• Court Orderly

• Judge's Associate

Represents the defendant or accused person in a trial.

• Defence barrister

• Prosecution barrister

• Court Orderly

• Judge's Associate

They preside over the court as a neutral umpire and direct the trial proceedings according to the law. They are referred to as 'Your Honour' when you are in court.

• Judge's Associate

• Prosecutor

• Judge

• Accused

A place in court when regular citizens can go to quietly watch the trial taking place.

• The Dock

• Public gallery

• Witness stand

• The Court

Provides transport and security for people in custody.

• Police

• Court Orderly

• Defence lawyer

• Corrective services officer