Someone has asked this question before
Get answers to some big questions below. And if you don’t see an answer, ask your Advocate or someone at the Child Advocacy Center!
You might be asked to talk in front of the judge and others in the courtroom. And yes, that person will be in the room. They have a right to be there. But they won’t be able to talk to you directly. They also won’t be allowed near you. They won’t touch you. They won’t be able to hurt you.
Usually a day or two. Every case is different, though, and sometimes it can take a while.
You don’t have to dress up unless you want to. But there are some things you shouldn’t wear. Check out this page for more about what to wear to court.
Don’t worry about this. Leave this to the lawyers. Just answer any questions as best you can and be honest.
It happens! It’s okay to feel sad or angry. It’s also okay to feel okay! Just be brave and if you need a minute to breathe, just ask the judge. The judge will know what to do.
Absolutely!
Yes, you can bring something with you. Your Advocate will be there. And so will other members of your family.
Maybe. Your court day is probably just one day. But it could be a few. Every case is different, so ask your Advocate if you’re curious.
There’s probably a bunch of people in the room. They all have jobs, like the judge, jury, and lawyers. Check out this page to meet the courtroom players.
After court is over you’ll get to go home. You’ll be able to play games, get online, talk with friends, and go to school like you always have.
Bad people go to jail when the court decides they should go to jail. Sometimes that happens, and sometimes it doesn’t. The judge, your family, and your Advocate will let you know.
It’s hard to talk about things, but this is a special place where your voice gets to be heard. When you talk, everyone is going to listen. Everyone is going to care what you have to say. That’s pretty neat! But it’s also important for you, your family, and others that you be brave, be honest, and be heard.
You just have to answer the questions the lawyers ask you. It’ll be a little like the interview you had at the Advocacy Center. Sometimes the answers might just be “yes” or “no.” Sometimes they might ask for a place, or time, or something else you remember. Just answer the best you can. Be honest, and if you don’t remember something, just say ‘I don’t remember.” Remember, this isn’t a test!
During court only one person is allowed to talk at a time. So just like a classroom, you can ask questions when it’s your time to speak. Start by asking your lawyer or your Advocate.
Honestly, yes. Court can be boring sometimes. But it is also really important, and everything works the way it does for very good reasons. Just try to stay ready. Ask your lawyer or Advocate if something seems confusing. That way you can understand what’s happening!