A district court begins to process the criminal case once the application for a summons has been received at the district court. The court delivers a summons to the accused, inviting them to the main hearing. Simple criminal cases can sometimes be dealt with in a written procedure.
Witnesses are often heard in trials. If you are summoned to testify in court, you must attend, answer questions, and tell the truth.
In criminal proceedings, the district court decides whether the accused has committed an offence. In general, the decision of a district court can be appealed against to a court of appeal.
In court proceedings, the court may find the accused innocent or guilty. If the court finds the defendant guilty, it imposes a statutory sentence on the defendant.
Testifying in court proceedings is a civil duty that you cannot refuse. Witnesses are heard in order to establish the course of events.
A citizen with limited means may be granted a legal counsel paid entirely or partly with State funds to assist them in a legal matter.
An offence or dispute may be mediated under the direction of a trained voluntary mediator. Mediation is voluntary and always requires the consent of both parties.