Vulnerable witnesses

Most people are unfamiliar with the experience of giving evidence in court. If you are worried about appearing in court please contact the Coroner's Officer, who, if you wish, will arrange for you to be shown around the court before the inquest starts. You may then familiarise yourself with the layout of the court. You may also wish to attend an earlier inquest so that you have some idea of the procedures. This can be arranged if you ask the Coroner's Officer.

Some witnesses find giving evidence particularly difficult because of a vulnerability or disability.  Someone’s mental health, their emotional state or having conditions such as dyslexia can make giving evidence or reading documents on the witness stand particularly difficult. The Coroner has a number of special measures available that can help vulnerable witnesses give their best evidence. If you believe some special measure or adjustment would help you when giving your evidence then please do raise this with the Coroner’s Officer before you come to court.