The Elder or respected person sits beside the Judge or Magistrate when the case is being discussed. Their role is to give cultural advice to the Judge/Magistrate so that they have a better understanding of who the child is and why they are there. The Elder/respected person may also speak with the child about their case and why they are in court. It is not their role to decide what will happen to the child's case; this decision is stillmade by the Judge or Magistrate.
