During a trial

When a defendant pleads ‘not guilty’, the courts have to decide whether or not that person committed the crime they are accused of. These potentially life-changing decisions are made every day, and it’s a big responsibility for everyone involved, including victims and witnesses of the crime who have to give evidence.

It’s no surprise that giving evidence can be a difficult experience for anyone. You may be asked to talk publicly about unpleasant, upsetting or personal events – things you might not even feel comfortable saying to a friend or family member.

Testing evidence by cross-examination

Once you have been questioned by the Crown Prosecutor or Crown Advocate, you may be asked a number of questions by the defendant’s lawyer. This is called cross-examination. Being cross-examined can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a personal attack on you, simply a defence lawyer doing their job.