A hearing or trial takes place when you and the other person involved in your court case, and your lawyers if you have them, go to court to have a judge make a decision. Going to court on your own, without a lawyer, is called representing yourself.

There are things you can do to help yourself to prepare and present your case, and reading the 'Going to Court' workbook is a good place to start. The workbook contains information on:

• getting legal advice
• proving your case
• what the hearing process is like
• what happens at the end of the hearing

The workbook also contains worksheets and checklists that will help you to prepare your case for court.

This workbook was a collaborative effort between the Nova Scotia Judiciary, the Nova Scotia Department of Justice Court Services, and Nova Scotia Legal Aid.