The witness journey - Attending Bristol Crown Court as a witness

This video will give you an idea of what it's like to be a witness attending court. From security check, witness room to the court room itself.

All our courts are different, but this should give you a overview of what to expect. For more information on attending court see our series of 'coming to court' video guides:    • Preparing to come to court - video gu...  

Video short cuts:
0:19 Security check
0:38 Witness suite
1:09 Witness service volunteers
2:04 Being called into the court room
2:20 Entering the court room
2:54 The judge
3:02 The defendant
3:10 The Jury
3:20 Proscuting barrister
3:31 Defence barrister
3:40 Public gallery
3:48 Promising to tell the truth
4:21 Giving evidence
5:18 Completing your evidence
5:32 Leaving the court room

For more information on coming to court, see our other video guides:

Before you go to court    • Before you go to court - Preparing to...  
Find out what you should bring, what to wear, parking and travelling, claiming expenses

Special measure at court    • Special measures  - Preparing to come...  
Vulnerable witnesses can request certain measures in court, such as privacy screens and giving evidence remotely.

Court security    • Security  - Preparing to come to court  
Make sure you are aware of the 'airport' style security checks at all our courts and tribunals before you leave. Make sure you don't take anything that could cause an issue with security.

Requesting additional support    • Requesting additional support - Prepa...  
If you have a disability and are worried about access to our buildings find out what you can request support for.

Being a witness in court    • Being a witness in court  - Preparing...  
What to expect if you are witness in court, this video will show you where you will wait, and who you will speak to while waiting to give evidence.

Magistrates' Court    • Magistrates' court - Preparing to com...  
What a magistrates court looks like and what it's like to give evidence.

Crown Court    • Crown Court  - Preparing to come to c...  
What a Crown court looks like, and what it's like to give evidence.

Your role as a juror    • Your role as a juror  
What to expect from jury service

This video was filmed before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

We’ve taken steps to make sure our buildings are kept safe, secure and clean in line with Public Health guidance. We’ve assessed them so we know they’re safe to continue with ‘in-person’ hearings.

You can find more information on GOV.UK. Search ‘coronavirus coming to court’. If you visit one of our courts or tribunals look out for our new information posters.