Pre-trial conference

What is a pre-trial conference

If you claim trial during your court mention, the Mentions Court may schedule the case for a pre-trial conference (PTC).

The purpose of the PTC is to prepare you and the prosecution for trial, and to deal with relevant matters before the trial date is scheduled.

What to expect

You have to attend the PTC together with the prosecution (who will be represented by a prosecuting officer).

You and the prosecution will inform the judge of the evidence you will present at trial and the witnesses you will call. The judge will also let you know whether criminal case disclosure conference (CCDC) procedures apply to your case.

Once all relevant matters in preparation for trial, including a CCDC (if applicable), have been sorted out and parties are ready for trial, the judge will then schedule the case for trial.

What to prepare

You should be prepared to do the following:

• Ask if the prosecution intends to use any written statements you gave to the police during investigation; and if so, you may request for a copy of that statement.
• Indicate to the court the number of witnesses that you wish to call at the trial.
• If you or your witnesses are not comfortable giving evidence in English, inform the judge you require an interpreter.

The judge may also ask you for an indication of the defences that you intend to rely on. It would be useful for you to think about this before the PTC.

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