A person charged with an offence is entitled to disclosure needed to understand the case and make full answer and defence, whether or not they have a lawyer. This plain-language training explains how to request, receive, organize and responsibly use disclosure.
Learning objectives:
- Ask the prosecutor how and when disclosure will be provided, and keep a record of requests and responses.
- Review the material carefully, organize it by date or witness, and note items that appear missing, incomplete or unreadable.
- Understand that disclosure may include statements, police notes, recordings, photographs and other relevant information, subject to lawful limits.
- Raise a specific unresolved disclosure concern with the prosecutor and, if necessary, with the court before making important decisions.
- Follow all conditions on access and protect the privacy and safety of witnesses, complainants and other people named in the material.
Disclosure is provided for the criminal case and should not be posted online, shared publicly or used to contact or intimidate anyone. This training is general legal information, not legal advice. Court staff, duty counsel or a legal aid service may be able to explain available assistance.
