If the magistrates or the jury are sure the defendant did break the law, they will say the defendant is guilty. The magistrates or judge will then decide how to punish the defendant for what they’ve done, and announce the sentence either on the day or at the court on a later date.
If the sentencing is going to take place on another day, the defendant may be free to leave the court, although there will probably be bail conditions which tell the defendant that they mustn’t go to certain places, or speak to particular people.
If the magistrates or jury can’t be completely sure that the defendant broke the law, they will also have to say the defendant is not guilty. This is because it’s wrong to punish someone unless it is absolutely clear he or she is guilty.
Sometimes – and it doesn’t happen very often – the jury can’t reach a verdict. It usually means that some of them believe the defendant is guilty, and some of them believe the defendant is not guilty. This is called a hung jury, and can mean that there has to be a retrial, but it is rare.
It’s important to remember that if the court decides the defendant is not guilty, it doesn’t mean that they did not believe you. Perhaps they could not be absolutely sure of what happened. Or perhaps they agree that the defendant did something wrong, but they weren’t sure they actually committed the crime they have been charged with.
Our justice system relies on witnesses like you to come to court and tell the truth about what happened. But remember, each witness is only part of the system. When you are a witness, you are not responsible for what the court decides.
A newspaper may report the court’s decision but cannot mention your name.
If you want to know what was decided at the end of the trial, ask your witness supporter to help you contact the person who can explain the verdict and the sentencing in more detail.