Appearing in court
Going to court can impact your general wellbeing, blood glucose and stress levels. No matter why you have to appear in court, courts can be stressful places.
Before you appear in court
Be prepared before you appear in court by finding out:
- Exactly what will happen on the day
- The timing of breaks for meals so you can plan when to check your blood glucose levels, take insulin or medicines
- Who can come with you on the day.
Afterwards, make sure you take time to debrief and unwind, both mentally and physically to help reduce your stress levels.
For detailed information about procedures during your time in court, ask your lawyer or barrister.
During your court appearance
Once you know the date of a court appearance make sure you have a written medical report or affidavit from your diabetes doctor or endocrinologist about the facts of your condition.
The report or affidavit should include:
- Your type of diabetes
- How long you have had diabetes
- Your medical treatment
- How many years this doctor has been looking after you
- History of any hypoglycaemic episodes (hypos) or impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia.
The day before your court appearance make sure that your lawyer or barrister has a copy of your doctor’s report. You may also want to hand a copy of this report to the court registrar on the day.
Your doctor may be required to appear in court on your behalf. Your lawyer will advise you if this is the case or not. If it is, make sure you inform your doctor of the date, time and what could be required of him or her on the day. For example, your doctor or endocrinologist may be asked to talk to the court about your diabetes and medical management.
Using diabetes equipment and treatment when in court
Tell your lawyer what diabetes medicines and equipment you need for the days you are to appear in court so they can inform the judge beforehand. This might include:
- How often you will need to check your blood glucose levels
- That you will need a private, clean place to take insulin and access a sharps container
- All diabetes equipment you will have in the court room. For example:
- Blood glucose meter
- Blood glucose strips
- Insulin pens, needles or pump
- Hypo treatments
- Food and water
- That if your blood glucose levels are low or you have a hypo it may make it hard for you to concentrate until treated, and you may need to eat and drink immediately
- That you will need breaks for snacks and to use the toilet in addition to the set court time breaks
- That you may need to sit down to give evidence.
If you become unwell during your time in court
Tell the lawyer or barrister representing you in court immediately if at any time during the proceedings you feel you are not well enough to continue. In the case of a medical emergency all courts have a procedure to follow. If you need to consult a doctor as an ‘unwell witness’ the courts can call on the doctors from the Department of Forensic Medicine.
Lodging complaints
There are procedures for investigating complaints from people about lawyers, court staff and disputes about costs. The Victorian Legal Services Board & Commissioner are responsible for regulating the legal profession in Victoria.
For further information on their complaints process visit The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner website.