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Going to court if you have a 'hidden' impairment

You may be worried about going to court and you may feel the stress might make a medical condition or impairment worse. You should tell the court if you have any concerns.

Hidden impairments

Hidden impairments include disabilities that may not be obvious to other people, for example:

  • a slight mobility impairment
  • diabetes
  • epilepsy
  • cancer
  • dyslexia

Things to think about

All courts have first aid officers who have been trained to assist people who become unwell while attending court. If you have any concerns, speak to the court's customer service officer, disability liaison officer or let the person on the reception desk know that you may need help.

You will be able to visit the court before you formally need to attend court. This will give you a chance to get a feel for the surroundings and to ask the customer service officer any questions you may have.

To arrange a pre-court visit, contact the customer service officer at the court you are due to attend. If your impairment or medical condition is likely to affect you during a hearing, tell a court official before the hearing begins. Examples of assistance to ask for include:

  • having questions read out to you so that a form can be completed
  • if you have impaired speech, having someone to speak for you
  • being accompanied at all times by someone who can help, for example with holding papers
  • being able to eat or drink at regular intervals during the hearing because you are diabetic
  • having regular breaks, for example to take medication

If any of the above situations apply to you, you must bring this to the attention of the court as soon as possible.

You can find details about how to contact the court on any correspondence you have been sent, or on the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service website.

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