Unfamiliar with court proceedings, many people have misconceptions and apprehensions, and are confused about the citizen's role in the courts. As a witness, party or a juror, your role in the courts is vital. If you are the victim of or witness to a criminal act, your involvement with the justice system begins when you enter a written or oral complaint, under oath, before a judicial officer. If the evidence is sufficient to indicate that a crime has been committed, a charging document is issued to bring the accused person before the court. Next, the case is presented to the court by the prosecutor, who acts on behalf of the governmental authority.
Witnesses testify on each side.
In a criminal case, the person who makes the complaint is called the complaining witness. All others who testify are witnesses. In a criminal trial, the defendant is not required to testify, and failure to do so cannot be used against the accused in any way. Civil Not all proceedings are designed to determine guilt as in a criminal case. In civil litigation, disputes between private parties are brought before the court to determine fault or decide controversies.