People with Learning Disabilities

Questions?

You may have some questions about what happens in court when you are a witness.

You can find answers to some questions here. It is important that you speak to the person who asked you to be a witness. The children's reporter or the lawyer will try to answer all your questions.

What if I am working?

To be a witness, you may need time off work. You should let your employer know in advance that you have been cited as a witness.

If your employer is reluctant to give you time off work to attend court, you should tell the person who cited you to be a witness straight away.

If you lose pay or earnings you can claim this money back from the procurator fiscal, reporter, or lawyer, depending on who cited you, although there is a limit to how much you can claim.

What if I need childcare?

Children are not allowed into courtrooms unless they are a witness. There are no childcare facilities within the court buildings.

If you do not have your own babysitter or child minder, you can contact your council or local social work department for a list of all the registered childcare facilities in your area.

You will be able to claim some of these expenses from the person who cited you.

What should I wear?

There is no particular uniform or style of clothes for a witness. You should wear clothes that you feel comfortable in.