About this booklet
Home: K to 12: What if I have to go to Court?: Your day in court
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Written by Judy Wilford and Illustrated by Carol Pelham-Thorman.
Foreword
Your Day In Court is an information and colouring in book for young children 5-10 years. It is a tribute to those children who, in their trusting and vulnerable innocence become victims of crime. It is also hoped that Your Day In Court will be of value to victims and witnesses who have intellectual disabilities.
Trust in, and of, adults provides the cornerstone of safety and security for children in their total dependence for care, protection and nurturing. Trust enables a taken for granted environment for the crucial stages of childhood development. If an adult betrays this trust the impact on the child is overwhelming. S/he will be at risk. The ability for a child in these circumstances to cope effectively, with both immediate tasks and with life in the future is problematic. When the already vulnerable child is catapulted into the rigours of the criminal justice system, coping will be influenced by the care providers, police, lawyers and other professionals with whom, s/he comes in contact. It will be determined by the understanding of later events, the role s/he plays in the legal process and the personal support that is available.
Your Day In Court is designed to assist victims at the time they are required to provide the trial court with evidence of the crime. It is a tragedy that a need for this book exists. The subject was well researched with similar material from interstate and overseas examined. These were rejected because the treatment was too sophisticated in language and style or inappropriate in content.
Court Network decided the book would be presented in a clear, simple and direct manner, understandable and enjoyable. The organization expresses appreciation to the author Judy Wilford and artist, Carol Pelham Thorman for the excellence of their work and concerned commitment to the subject matter. Court Network is extremely grateful to the Victoria Law Foundation for the funds to enable publication.
Acknowledgements
Court Network is conscious that the success of Your Day In Court was made possible through the generosity and guidance of:
Carol Pelham-Thorman -Artist
Judy Wilford - Author
Toni Chaffey - Consultant
Advisers Judith Wallace - Law Reform Commission
Julie Jones - Psychiatrist, Royal Children's Hospital
Ian Heath - Prosecutor for the Queen
Richard Read - Prosecutor for the Queen
Steven Carisbooke - Officer in Charge DPP County Court Section
Funding Victoria Law Foundation
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced without permission in writing from the publishers.
Published by Court Network
Court Network
Ist Flr, 565 Lonsdale St
MELBOURNE 3000
1800 681 614 (toll free)
Carmel Benjamin, AM
Court Network. 1989
Contents
Being a witness in court is an important job
A letter called "a subpoena"
What can I take to court?
What is the court for?
Sometimes there are two court cases
What does "guilty"; mean?
Magistrate's Court
County Court and Supreme Court
Colouring Page
Words you need to know
All about Court Network
If you would like a Court Networker to help you, please ring
1800 681 614 (toll free)
If you need to talk to anyone about these things please call:
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Disclaimer
Copyright Updated: 22 Sep 2009
The South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal owners of country throughout Victoria. We pay our respects to them, their culture and their Elders past, present and future.