Att vittna - English

What does it mean to testify?

To testify means that you tell what you have seen or heard in connection with a crime. As a witness, you play an important role, since what you say can help ensure that a person who has committed a crime can be convicted for it.

In Sweden, there is a general obligation to testify, which means that if you are summoned, you must testify. 

It is possible to testify anonymously, but only in exceptional cases. If you feel uneasy about testifying, there are various government agencies and organisations that can provide you with support.

To be summoned to a trial as a witness

If you are summoned to a trial as a witness, you must come to the court. You will receive a summons informing you of the date, time and place. When you arrive at the court, you usually first undergo a security check and then wait in a waiting room.

If you feel uneasy about testifying, you can get support and information from witness support advisors who are often present at the court.

As a witness, you are not allowed to be present in the courtroom before you are called to testify. This is to ensure that you are not influenced by what others say. You remain in the waiting room until it is your turn, at which time you will be summoned to the courtroom via the loudspeaker system.

During the trial, you tell what you have seen, heard or know about the incident. Before testifying, you must take an oath as a witness and promise to tell the truth. As a witness, the prosecutor, the defence counsel or others may also ask you questions.

It is important that you tell the truth and say if you do not remember or are uncertain about something.

Reimbursement in connection with testifying

If coming to the court entails expenses for you, you may be entitled to reimbursement. You may be reimbursed for travel and loss of income. You usually apply for reimbursement at the court’s reception desk. You can always ask the staff there for help. Decisions on reimbursement are taken later by the court.

After the trial

When the trial has been completed, the court decides whether the defendant should be convicted and, if so, what the penalty should be and whether damages should be paid. The judgment is either delivered immediately on site or in writing at a later date. Witnesses can request a copy of the judgment, usually free of charge in digital format.