Access to Justice

During your jury service you may hear some unfamiliar words. Here are some definitions.  Though remember, you're not expected to remember or know all of these terms as a juror.

Accused

The person who is on trial, sometimes called the defendant.

Address

A speech by a lawyer.

Adjournment

Any break in the hearing of a case.

Affirmation

An oath (a solemn declaration that something is true) that does not refer to religion. See ‘swearing in’.

Arraignment

Reading the charge to the accused, who pleads ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’.

Ballot

The process used to choose jurors at random.

Challenge

The process by which lawyers can exclude some people from the jury.

Charge or Count

Each individual crime alleged against the accused. May be referred to as either charge or count.

Complainant

The alleged victim of the offence.

Counsel

Lawyers for the defence or prosecution.

Court attendant or crier

The court staff member who helps the court, jurors and members of the public. This person is sometimes referred to as the jury officer.

Court registrar or court taker

The court staff member who makes sure that the courtroom runs smoothly and that any direction from the judge happens. This person usually sits in front of the judge. May be referred to as either court registrar or court taker.

Court reporter or associate

The court staff member who records the evidence given in the trial. They also record the judge’s summing up.

Cross-examination

Questioning of a witness by a lawyer from the other side. For example, a prosecution witness may be cross-examined by a defence lawyer.

Crown

The lawyer(s) presenting the case against the accused (the person on trial). These lawyers are sometimes referred to as the ‘prosecution’.

Defence counsel

The lawyer(s) representing the accused (the person on trial).

Deferred

When your jury service is put off until a later date. You have to fill out an application to the court to have your jury service deferred. 

Deliberations

The jury’s discussions when deciding on a verdict (guilty or not guilty).

Dock

The place where the accused stands or sits during the proceedings.

Empanel

The final jury selection, sometimes referred to as ‘empanelling’.

Evidence

What the witnesses say, plus anything produced as an exhibit.

Excused

When the court says you don’t have to do duty service on that occasion because of your circumstances. You have to fill out an application to the court to have your jury service excused. 

Exhibits

Items of evidence produced during a trial. These can be photos, statements, diagrams, weapons or any relevant material or object.

Foreperson

The representative for the jury. They lead the discussion and ensure that the jurors discuss the issues openly, fairly, in an orderly way and with respect for every juror’s opinion. The foreperson oversees the voting process, counts the votes and signs the verdict form.

Indictment

The document that states the charge(s) against the accused (the person on trial).

Judge

The person who presides over the trial.

Jury

Twelve citizens chosen at random to represent the public and to decide on a verdict (guilty or not guilty) after hearing all the evidence in a trial.

Jury box

The jury’s seating area in the courtroom.

Oath

A declaration that something is true. See ‘swearing in’

Plea

The accused’s answer to the charge, ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’.

Public gallery

The part of the courtroom where members of the public sit.

Prosecution

The lawyer(s) presenting the case against the person on trial. Sometimes referred to as ‘the Crown’.

Registrar

See ‘court registrar or court taker’.

Retires

Leaves the courtroom. When the jury ‘retires’, they are asked to leave the courtroom and make a decision.

Sentence

The penalty imposed on someone who has been found guilty of an offence or who pleaded guilty to an offence.

Sequestered

When the jury must stay together while they are considering their verdict. They are not allowed to return home until they reach a verdict (guilty or not guilty).

Summing up

The judge’s final instruction and advice to the jury after the prosecutor and defence counsel have given their closing speeches.

Swearing in

When jurors swear an oath or make an affirmation (that is, they declare that something is true).

Unanimous decision

An opinion or decision agreed to by all those involved.

Verdict

The final decision of the jury (guilty or not guilty).

Victim impact statement

A report written by a victim explaining to the judge and jury how they were affected by the crime.

Witness

A person called to give evidence to court.

Witness box

The place where witnesses give their evidence.