1. The Magistrate’s Bench is a large table, behind which a judge sits. This part of the courtroom is usually placed on a raised floor. This increases the impression that the judge holds the most important position. Nobody else but the judge is allowed to enter this part of the courtroom. Did you know that you should always address the judge “Your Honour” when speaking to them

2. Right in front of the judge, there is a long Bar Table. There, the prosecutors and the attorneys sit, facing the judge. There is a space for the defendant there, too. The judge decides when other people in the courtroom should speak.

3. Before issuing a verdict, the judge and the jury listen to all witnesses on the case. These testify sitting in the Witness Box. All witnesses must swear an oath to tell the truth. It is a major crime to lie in court. Also, you have a duty to come to court if you are summoned to testify and you mustn’t leave the courtroom until told so by the judge.

4. Anything that judges, witnesses, defendants, and lawyers say in trial is recorded. There are special court associates that make a transcript of the trial. These can be used by lawyers in the future. They can also deal with any other important documents needed for the trial.

5: The public can observe most trials and there is a space for them to sit and listen to what people say in court. Sometimes families of victims sit there.

6. Members of the jury help the judge to decide on a sentence. They make a verdict by declaring the defendant guilty or innocent. After that, the judge issues a sentence.