Should I go public?

Question

I was called as a witness in a very famous court case in the UK 4 years ago. How do I stand legally and morally about going public? Is it more bother than it's worth?

Answer 1

First answer the question on WHY you want to go public, and frankly on what good it will do for you to do so?

If the case is 4 years old I assume it has been settled and is in the past. If the case is still open or on an appeal then you should refrain from going public until after the case is concluded.

I don't know how much of a bother this will be to you, but if you don't want to talk about it then just set a high price on any interview that you will give. If you want to talk about it then it is best to talk with a reporter from a nationally recognized and trusted magazine or newspaper. The Sun may be very popular, but a lot of that is due to the page 3 girls. Otherwise I believe that it is similar to tabloid publications in the US.

I think that if you sit down with a reporter from a respected magazine or newspaper then you can be open honest and give them a complete interview (while keeping personal life out of it). Then once the interview is published you shouldn't be bothered anymore. If you are then just refer them to the reporter, "I gave him a complete interview and while he may not have published everything I said he caught the relevant parts."

If you are asked for a TV interview then it is up to you to decide to do it or not. If you give one interview on a respected show then that should settle things. If not then just refer them to the interview, after you do that a few times word will get around and people should stop bothering you so much.

Now if you are thinking about letting a book be published or writing one then you will HAVE to talk with as many people as possible in order to sell that book.

Answer 2

What do you mean go public ? Go public with what , and where ?

If you want to write a book or magazine article on your experiance then that may be OK.

I would check on any rules regarding jury deliberations, I always thought they were meant to be confidential. You would also want to be cautious about making claims about what other people said or did, they may ba able to sue you for libel, slander or defamation.

Answer 3

Unless the court demands your secrecy, you may go public and the response will be determined by the public when they hear what you say.

Answer 4

It sounds like you need free legal advise from a lawyer on the legalities. Then consider your responsibilities. Then consider it.

Answer 5

unless you signed some thing that states you wouldn't go public after the case was over then there's nothing stopping you from telling who ever you want

Answer 6

Did you sign any type of non-disclosure clause? Also, what are the benefits of going public? You just might find it is more trouble than it is worth.

Answer 7

Just keep it between the 2 of us on here - now tell me everything, nobody else will know.

Answer 8

I'd keep quiet. The defendents (or their friends) could be out for revenge.

Answer 9

I'll go public for you..50% of your total payout. ok

Answer 10

if its not moraly honourable, leave it incase it backfires.the public dont have to know everything in the world.