Working with defendants pre trial
- used pictures/ maps generated by the defendant to establish their evidence.
- work to explain the different options re: plea
- familiarisation visit to explain court room and its layout and who sits where.
- visual timetable to explain trial process
- producing guidance in form of a detailed report
- attendance at the Ground Rules Hearing
Working with defendants during the trial
- explain proceedings
- explaining difficult concepts
- use of a visual timetable
- use of a map to explain testimony of others
- finding relevant information in a bundle
- requesting breaks
- use of line drawing to map to the court room
- allowing defendant to leave the room and then explaining what they had missed
- using drawing
- writing down key words to support understanding
- writing down comments to enable them to discuss the evidence they have heard with counsel
- intervening as necessary
Post-verdict or plea
- exploration with the legal team re basis for plea
- attendance at sentencing hearing
- facilitating communication at probation meeting