When you go to court, you will give information (called “evidence”) to a judge who will decide your case. This evidence may include information you or someone else tells to the judge (“testimony”) as well as items like email and text messages, documents, photos, and objects (“exhibits”). If you don’t have an attorney, you will need to gather and present your evidence in the proper way. Courts have rules about evidence so that judges will make decisions based on good information, not gossip and guesswork.
Although the rules can be confusing, they are designed to protect your rights, and you can use them to help you plan for your court appearance. Even though courts work differently, this publication will introduce you to the nuts and bolts of presenting evidence at a hearing. As you read it, please consider the kind of help you might want as you prepare and present your case.