Speaking to Witnesses at Court
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This guidance outlines the role of prosecutors in assisting witnesses at court to ensure they give their best evidence. It emphasizes the importance of communication, support before and during court appearances, and the distinction between permissible assistance and coaching. The guidance provides detailed protocols for meeting witnesses, addressing their vulnerabilities, and collaborating with other support entities to improve the witness experience within the criminal justice system.
Key points
- Prosecutors must assist witnesses in understanding court processes to reduce anxiety.
- Guidance applies to all witnesses, including vulnerable and intimidated ones.
- Witnesses should not receive coaching but can be prepared for court procedures.
- Collaboration with support services is essential for effective witness assistance.
- Regular updates should be provided to witnesses regarding the progress of their case.
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.