Justice Center Visual Guide | Carver County, MN

Justice Center Security

Before you can enter the Justice Center, you must go through screening.
All items you are carrying will be put through an x-ray machine. You will walk through a metal detector.
This is done to prevent visitors from bringing restricted items into the building. The security measures protect the safety of all visitors and prevent prohibited items from getting into the courtroom.
You should allow for extra time to get through the security area.

Items not allowed

Security Staff

Finding your Courtroom

Courtroom Roles & Jobs

Role	Job
Judge	The judge is in charge of the court. He/she sits at a large desk at the front of the room and wears a black robe. The judge listens to attorneys and others who speak in court, in order to make decisions about the proceedings.
Court Clerk	Sits near the judge at a computer and helps organize evidence and documents.
Court Reporter	Sits near the judge at a computer and types everything that is said when court is in session. The reporter of the judge will ask witnesses to speak slowly and ask people to spell or repeat words for accuracy.
Defendant	The person who is charged with a crime.
Defense Attorney	Represents the defendant in court.
Prosecutor	Represents the State of Minnesota during the trial. The prosecutor is the one that filed charges against the defendant.
Victim Witness Coordinator	Acts as a liaison between witnesses and prosecutors. Assists with subpoenas, calls witnesses into the courtroom and provides support to victims.
Bailiff	Uniformed officer in charge of court security.
Jury	Listens to the testimony and evidence and delivers a verdict at the end of the trial.
Witness	Testifies truthfully about what they remembered so everyone in the courtroom can hear from their perspective what occurred.

Who will be in the Courtroom

There may be other people in the courtroom, including: interpreters, social workers, members of the public, media, victims and their family and friends, defendant's family and friends and a support person for the witness.
Adult criminal court hearings are open to the public, so anyone may sit and observe.
Juvenile hearings are typically closed to the public, with certain exceptions.

Tables Courtroom Chairs Microphones Judge Seat

Where does everyone sit

What happens when it is your turn to testify

When it is your turn to testify, you will be called into the courtroom. When you walk up to the witness stand, the judge or court clerk will ask you to raise your right hand and promise to tell the truth.
You will then be asked to sit in the witness stand. You will be asked to say your first and last name and may be asked to spell it out.
The attorneys will ask you questions about yourself and why you are in court.
While testifying, it is important to remember that only one person can talk at a time. This is so the judge and jury can hear you and the court reporter can type what each person said.
It is important that you speak clearly, loudly and slowly.
The defendant will be in the courtroom while you testify.

Your role and why it is important you are here

Your testimony is essential to our justice system. Your job as a witness is to state the facts as truthfully and accurately as you remember them. It is critical that you are candid and honest.
Don't try to rehearse or memorize what you are going to say. Instead, try to visualize what happened so you will be able to answer questions confidently.
All subpoenaed witnesses have information about the crime. Even small pieces of information can be critical in determining what actually happened.

Who decides if the defendant is guilty or not

Preparing for trial

To prepare for trial you may be able to review your statement to refresh your memory. Sometimes it is hard to remember what happened. Try to remember as much as you can. If you do not know the answer to a question or do not understand a question, you should say so.
It can be hard to talk about something traumatic or private. Remember to take your time when answering questions. It is OK to drink water or ask for a break.
If you have special needs, questions or concerns, let your victim witness coordinator know. You may also ask your coordinator about having a support person come to court with you.
Most important, you should always tell the truth.

Helpful tips

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