HMCTS who's who: Crown Court
An explanation of the people who may be present in a Crown Court hearing.
The defendant
The defendant is the person who has been accused of the offence. The defendant sits in the dock and sometimes a uniformed officer sits next to them.
The defence lawyer
The defence lawyer will speak on behalf of the defendant and present the case to say why they’re not guilty of the offence. They’ll ask the witnesses and the defendant questions about the accusations. The defence lawyer sometimes wears a wig and gown. Sometimes a defendant will represent themselves.
The prosecutor
The prosecutor is a lawyer who presents the case independently on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service. They present evidence to show how the offence happened and challenge the defendant’s evidence if it is given. The prosecutor also asks the witnesses questions about what they saw or heard, or what happened to them. The prosecutor wears a wig and gown.
The witness
The witness gives evidence and answers questions from the witness box. Young or vulnerable witnesses can give evidence by video link from somewhere else or from behind a screen.
Assistance for the witness
A supporter may be able to sit with a young or vulnerable witness while they’re giving evidence. An interpreter will also attend the trial if needed by the witness or defendant. They’ll interpret what’s said during the trial so everyone present can understand each other. Interpreters are independent of both sides.
The probation officer
Probation officers will help the court by providing risk assessments, advice on sentencing and bail, or presenting breaches. The officer may interview the defendant and present relevant information about them, along with a proposal to help decisions of the court.
The judge
The judge oversees the trial and makes sure everyone involved is given the opportunity to present their case fairly. At the end of the trial the judge will explain the law and summarise the facts of the case for the jury. If the jury decides that the defendant is guilty, the judge will consider an appropriate sentence. The judge wears a wig and gown.
The jury
The jury is made up of 12 members of the public. They listen to the evidence presented to them during the trial. They then decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the offence.
The court clerk
The court clerk sits at the front of the court and prepares the laptops/screens that are used to present evidence during the trial. They read the formal charges to the court and take oaths from members of the jury. They also make notes during the trial. The court clerk wears a black gown.
The usher
The usher prepares the court room for the trial. They make sure everyone involved in the trial is taken in to the courtroom at the right time. The usher wears a black gown.
The press/media
The media can attend most court hearings by law. This includes those with reporting restrictions in place. A key part of open justice is the reporting of hearings by the media.
The public
The Crown Court is usually open to the public. People may sit quietly and listen at the back of the court.
Please note this is a representation only – the people in the room may be different. Not all courts look exactly alike.