New book provides court information for Queensland children

Queensland children coming before the courts have a new resource to help them understand the legal process and make the experience less stressful, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said today.

"For young children, involvement with the court process can be confusing and traumatic," Mr Shine said.

“The 'My court book' will be distributed to primary-school aged children who come before the courts to help them feel more comfortable in giving evidence and give them a better understanding of how the court works.

“The books will be distributed through court registries, Legal Aid and the advocacy group 'Protect All Children Today' (PACT).”

Mr Shine announced the release of the book today in conjunction with Law Week, which runs until 19 May.

"The information contained in the books is in an easy-to-read format and features colourful pictures and activities for children," he said.

“The illustrations show how a court is set up, what people are found in a court and what children can take into court with them.”

“There are also useful tips on how to give evidence and an explanation of a remote witness room, which are equipped with closed-circuit television, and which children may have to use when appearing or giving evidence in court."

The book has been reproduced with the permission of the Department of Justice, Tasmania.

My Court Book is published on the Department of Justice and Attorney-General website at www.justice.qld.gov.au/courts/pdfs/mycourtbook.pdf.

18 May 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au