What is it like in a Canadian Courtroom?
Entering a Courtroom…
Before entering the courtroom all people involved must go through a security check were police officer will check I.D. and check all clothing for weapons or firearms. When the accused enters the courtroom he is probably thinking ( if he is guilty) “Oh I hope I get off cleanly, I don’t want to go to jail for the rest of my life” (If he is innocent) “This is rediculous, I never did anything… life can be so unfair”
What is done to make the process of justice fair?
One thing that makes the process of justice fair is that “the accused” is innocent until proven guilty. If things did not work this way someone could accuse another person falsely and the accused may have nothing to prove their innocence. The courtroom is accessible to disabled or wheelchair witnesses which allows them to take part as well. A native worker is allowed in a courtroom (if there is a aboriginal in part of the process) to assure that their culture is not offended and everything flows smoothly for that person. The judge must listen to everything both parties have to say. Members of the jury must not have a criminal record and must not know anyway accusing or being accused. Witnesses must swear an oath of truth before speaking.
Jobs in a courtroom
- The Judge- The Judge must listen to everything the crown prosecutor, defendant lawyer and the witnesses have to say. In some cases the judge must make the decision on whether the defendant is innocent or guilty and what their sentence will be, but sometimes the jury will decide. The Judge must be able to keep peace in the courtroom and be able to make a fir decision to the best of his ability.
- Court Clerk-A Court Clerk must ask witnesses to swear oath, call people up to speak and assist judge in other matters depending on the situation.
- Crown Prosecutor- The Crown Prosecutor (lawyer) represents the society, prevents important evidence and in some cases decides which witnesses to call up to speak. The Crown Prosecutor must also address the charges they are attempting to place on the accused, whoever that may be.
- Investigating Officer- The Investigating Officer is the police officer that gathered evidence and/or found the accused commiting a crime. The Investigating officer will explain the case to the Crown Prosecutor who will then take the case to court.
- Court Reporter- A Court Reporter is like a newspaper reporter accept for court cases. The reporter is not allowed pictures and is sometimes not allowed to publicise the accused name depending on the Judges decision.
- Defence Lawyer- The Defence Lawyer (defendant) works for the accused and speaks for the accused in an attempt at maintaining his clients innocence. The Defence Lawyer must be able to stay calm and should be clever and convincing. Also The defendant should be good at arguing.
- The Press- The press records (usually by typing) everything said during court. Usually not allowed to speak or interupt.
- Court Officer- The Court Officer (Sherrif/Police Officer) escorts the accused in, if the accused is in custody, The Court Officer is responsible for everybody’s safety.
- Witness- A Witness is a person who knows something important about the case and is invited by someone involved to share information. The witness must sware an oath on the bible (or not on the bible if they aren’t religious) to tell the truth before they share any information or speak what so ever.
Main Source- Court Prep Site
