Testifying in court can be a stressful and nerve-wracking experience, and that’s completely normal. Many people feel this way. Take your time, pause, breathe slowly and collect your thoughts before you speak.

You can also bring a support person to sit with you before you go into court. This can make you feel more comfortable. If you become emotional or cry while testifying, don’t worry, it happens often. Most witness stands have tissues nearby. It’s okay to take a moment to gather yourself or ask for a short break if you need one.

The Nunavut Courts understand how difficult this process can be and will do everything in its power to assist you.

A Few Important Rules to Remember:

• A note on how to answer: The court uses an audio recorder, which cannot see gestures like nodding. Because of this, you must give a verbal 'yes' or 'no' answer to every question. We understand this may feel different from regular conversation, but it is a necessary rule to make sure your answers are recorded correctly.

Answer all questions: You must answer all questions when you are testifying. If a question is inappropriate, your lawyer will object. If you do not answer, it could result in contempt of court (being charged for disrespecting the court's rules), which is very serious.