Evidence & Witnesses: Preparing for Trial

Organizing Your Evidence

The success of your case depends on the evidence you present. Proper organization is key to helping the judge understand your claim.

• The Documentary Evidence — Contracts, receipts, emails, text messages, photos, and videos.
• Tabbed Bundles — Prepare three identical sets of your evidence (one for the judge, one for the other side, and one for yourself).
• Relevance — Only include documents that directly support your claim or disprove the other side's defence.

Calling Witnesses

• Summonsing a Witness — If a witness is unwilling to come, you can serve them with a Summons to Witness.
• Witness Statements — You must provide the other side with any witness statements at least 30 days before trial.
• Expert Witnesses — If you are using an expert (e.g., a mechanic or building inspector), they must provide a signed report.