Witnesses in criminal cases no longer have to fret before taking the stand, thanks to a new handbook which will serve to explain to them how trials work.

Called Giving Evidence in Court, the book, which was announced on Friday, will be provided to witnesses and their family after interviews with prosecutors.

It is among several new or recent initiatives in an ongoing effort by the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) to raise public awareness of its work and the criminal justice system here in general.

"If you have been to court as a witness, either as an accused or family member of the victim, (you would know) it's a very traumatic, stressful experience," said Attorney-General Steven Chong.

"This book seeks to address that by explaining the process, so witnesses before going to court will have an idea and be mentally prepared for the experience."

The book will also be given out for free at a public exhibition held today and tomorrow at the National Library in Bras Basah. The event focuses on youth crime and the role of the public prosecutor in enhancing the rule of law, and is the final initiative under the AGC's first annual Public Prosecution Outreach Programme.