Court questions
What is your job at court?
If you are going to court you are likely a witness. A witness must answer questions about what happened to them or what they saw or heard. A witness has an important job- they are not in trouble. Their job is to help the judge or jury understand what happened because they weren't there when it happened. This is why it is important to tell the truth.
WHO IS THE BOSS OF THE COURTROOM?
THE JUDGE
What is one coping strategy you use already to help when you are feeling stressed?
If you gave one example, well done! You can use this same strategy at court.
If you don't have one yet, lets learn one together!
TRUE OR FALSE: YOU CAN LIE IN A COURT ROOM?
FALSE: YOUR JOB AT COURT IS TO TELL THE TRUTH AS BEST YOU CAN
How many continents are their in the world?
Seven
Bonus points if you can name them all!
True or False:
The defendant needs to prove they are not guilty
False: It is the prosecutions job to prove the defendant is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
If the judge/ jury hold even a small amount of doubt, the defendant might be found not guilty
COURT CAN BE BORING AND YOU MIGHT HAVE TO WAIT AROUND FOR A LONG TIME.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MAKE COURT LESS BORING?
IF YOU GAVE AT LEAST ONE EXAMPLE WELL DONE, YOU GOT THE POINTS!
What is something you are proud of so far in the court process?
:)
True or False: You only have to go to court if you are in trouble
False!
Why do you think the answer is false?
What is the largest mammal in the world?
Blue whale
You are asked a question in court and don't know the answer, or are confused. What can you do?
a. Ask for the question to be repeated
b. Say "I don't know"
c. Say "I am confused, can you please ask the question in another way?"
All of the answers are correct!
Remember: it is okay not to know the answer. It is better to say "I don't know", than to attempt to answer a question you are not sure about :)
WHAT HAPPENS IF A PERSON IS FOUND GUILTY?
THE JUDGE WILL DECIDE ON A SENTENCE. THE PERSON MIGHT HAVE TO GO TO JAIL, PAY A FINE, OR HAVE OTHER RESTRICTIONS PLACED ON THEM
When people go to court they might feel:
a. Happy b. Relaxed c. Nervous d. Worried
C - Nervous
D - Worried
Remember: These feelings are normal! We can help with ways to cope with these feelings.
It is your responsibility to put your abuser in jail based on what you tell the court and police
False: Your only job is to tell the truth.
The court will make a decision based on ALL the evidence, not just on what you tell the court/ police.
What is the capital city of France?
Paris
How many people in the jury have to agree to give a guilty verdict?
a. At least half
b. Everyone in the jury
c. 90% of the Jury
b. Everyone in the jury
WHY MIGHT A PERSON LIE IN COURT ABOUT DOING SOMETHING WRONG?
A PERSON MIGHT LIE TO AVOID PUNISHMENT OR JAIL TIME.
Name three people who can help you through the court process?
If you named three well done... if not lets looks at who else can help you.
True or False: You are allowed to ask for a break if you need one in court
True: Court can be stressful and you can take a break if you ask for one.
Bonus point if you can tell us who to ask for a break?
How many colours are there in the rainbow?
Seven
What is the Judge's role at court?
a. Make sure everything is fair
b. Make sure that everyone plays by the rules
c. Make sure the jury knows about the law
All of these are correct.
True or False: Lawyers are allowed to yell at me in court
No. There are rules in court that the judge will make sure lawyers follow. You might be asked hard questions and lawyers may talk formally. This does not mean you are in trouble, or that they are angry at you. They are just doing their job.
What are some ideas that help you calm down when worried?
If you came up with some ideas well done!
If not, let's look at what else might be helpful
You must know all the answers to the questions you are asked in court
False: If you don't know an answer, this is okay!
You can simply say "I don't know"
Which animal is the symbol of wisdom in many cultures?
Owl