How can questioning strategies of barristers in the courtroom influence the narratives of witnesses?

Question

or defandant?

Answer 1

Actually that is quite simple. Although the witness may say exactly the same words, depending on how the question is possed, the jury will interpret the answer differently. This is true even of simple "yes" or "no" questions. A classic example is the question, "When did you quit beating your wife?" (or, for yes/no, 'Have you quit beating your wife?')

Answer 2

by asking either the question that was unexpected, or by asking it in such a way that the witness thinks they are giving an answer that makes them look better when really they are not.

Eg if you asked someone if they were gay? they may deny it but ask what their parents said when they came out, or what their boyfriends name is and they will not be expecting it and be more likely to slip an answer out, or to stumble which can be equally telling

Answer 3

it's the drama of life on trial? we know when when your guilty or innocent or in between? you know when your innocent or guilty or in between? i know when i am guilty or innocent, but i am never in between!

Answer 4

IT MOVES FEELINGS