Appearing in Court Social Story, Parts 1-3

Overview

These social stories were created to describe the various aspects of appearing in court to individuals with autism.

Part 1: The Courtroom

Graphic of a man in a courtroom.

If I break a law, I might go to court.

Graphic of a attorney helping a man in court.

I will have an attorney to help me.

Graphic of the scales of justice.

Court is where decisions are made when a law is broken.

Graphic of a courtroom with a judge and jury.

A courtroom is a busy place with lots of people, sounds, smells, and sights.

Graphic of a judge with books and law degrees, she is in charge.

The judge is in charge of the courtroom.

Graphic of the judge saying

The judge decides what happens to people who break the law.

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Part 2: Testifying

Graphic of an attorney talking with a man about the court rules.

The attorney will help prepare me for court and understand the rules.

Graphic of a man sitting at a table with his Attorney.

I will sit at a table with my attorney in the courtroom.

Graphic of the mans parents in the courtroom.

My parents can be in the courtroom with me.

Graphic of a man testifying in court.

If I am asked to speak that is called testifying.

Graphic of a man telling the truth.

I must tell the truth.

Graphic of a police officer putting handcuffs on a man who didn't tell the truth.

If I don’t tell the truth that is breaking the law.

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Part 3: After the Ruling

Graphic of a man saying

It is okay to tell the Judge and my attorney I have autism.

Graphic of a man testifying he is asking for the question to be repeated.

It is ok to ask them to repeat things I don’t understand.

Graphic of the Judge making a decision.

When the Judge makes a decision this is called a ruling.

Graphic of a man agreeing to accept the Judge's ruling.

I have to obey the Judge’s ruling even if I don’t like it.

Graphic of a man holding a list of rules.

The judge may send me home with specific rules I must follow.

Graphic of several people living together in a place ordered by the Judge.

Or the judge may send me to a place to learn how to stay out of trouble.

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This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.