Haven't been in court before...
2007-06-10 05:52:57 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Hi, I'm in the UK, so answer according to our courts! If it's the magistrates court the chances are you won't be called, people very regularly plead at the last minute.
However if the trial goes on (crown or mags), you'll book in with the usher, most courts have a witness room, you don't have to use it but if there are people there (from other cases etc) that you are uncomfortable with by all means use it.
Depending what time the trial starts, the usher should be able to take you into the court explain where everyone will be, prosecutor, defence, press,probation etc.They should also ask whether you choose to take the oath or affirmation when you are called.
Then you just wait to be called, the usher will walk you in,take the oath/affirm as clearly as poss. answer questions to the best of your knowledge, you should be able to look through your statement prior to the trial starting.
Don't go into details about anything that's not in your statement or is a matter of 'opinion', just answer the questions you are asked as concisely as possible.
There should be a jug of water on the stand, if not ask for water if you need it. Basically just don't worry - ask the ushers if you are unsure or nervous beforehand, they should keep an eye on what's going on too, if you do struggle along the way!
You may if you wish after you have given evidence, sit in the public gallery or you may be dismissed.
If you get the chance nip in and have a look beforehand, any member of the public is entitled unless it's a case in camera (usually involving children etc.) that will probably give you a better idea!
2007-06-10 07:46:46 · answer #1 · answered by groovymaude 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If this is a criminal case being taken to court through the police and CPS, then ring the witness care unit and speak to your witness care officer they can arrange for you to have a look at a court room before the trial (this can be on the day of the trial), and they will also be able to tell you how the court operates.
Ultimately, all you need to do is tell the truth and if you don't remember something or if you are unsure say so.
It is a daunting prospect if you haven't been to court before, but you will get through it, and people are there to help you.
Good luck
2007-06-10 16:13:24 · answer #2 · answered by lippz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First advice: Never expand on any answer. A short yes or no. Don't get into descriptions. Don't expound.
Second: Are you a friend of the company or a friend of the person who got hurt? If you side with the person that got hurt, maybe you could talk to their attorney and get advice.
Third: Everything you say and do will be held against the person that got hurt and used against them, hence, keep your answers short.
Never admit that it was anyone's fault. If you think it WAS the companies fault and they were negligent, then perhaps you could throw that in...
Everything will be recorded word for word. the insurance companies can afford expensive lawyers, the people can't.
If this is harrassment or something, just keep your answers short and to the point. Answer ONLY the question directed.
2007-06-10 13:31:47 · answer #3 · answered by momosix 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi just say what you saw or what you did and no more, as long as you tell the truth you will be fine, My brother had to go regarding something that happend at work and what he witnessed, he just told the court what he had seen and that was that.
2007-06-10 13:02:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should dress professionally as a sign of respect to the court and the proceedings. All you have to do is truthfully respond to the questions. If you do not understand the question, do not guess. Ask for clarification. If you do not remember, do not guess. Just say you do not remember. It is perfectly acceptable to not remember. Not remembering is better than guessing. If you are estimating say so. Good luck. Remember, the point of the proceedings is to try to ascertain the truth. You will help them.
2007-06-10 13:06:25 · answer #5 · answered by Tara P 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not talk about things you are not asked about.
In others words do not volunteer information. Stay to
the truth as you see it. Remember to breathe and do more listening then any thing else. Don't cry if you can help it. Ask for water if your throat gets dry. Just tell the truth, you'll be OK.
Have a pleasant day.
2007-06-10 13:02:21 · answer #6 · answered by zurioluchi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing to worry about, listen very carefully to the questions asked and answer them carefully and consisely.
Don't expand on your answer if yes or no does it leave it at that.
Don't give opinions unless asked for them.
If you don't understand what they are asking, appologise and ask them to repeat the question or explain what they mean.
If you don't know the answer say so.
Above all TELL THE TRUTH nothing more nothing less.
2007-06-11 19:16:46 · answer #7 · answered by streetblitzer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just tell the truth, you will be fine, it is a bit scary, but you haven't done anything wrong, your just a witness, nice hot tea with sugar before you go in, hope it all goes OK for you, all the best
2007-06-10 17:58:29 · answer #8 · answered by sarah1962 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just tell the truth and try not to look at the guilty party or what you might believe to be the guilty party
2007-06-10 12:55:53 · answer #9 · answered by ja man 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just relax it will be OK!! dress nice make sure your appearance is sharp..Presentation is everything..Be honest, tell it how it is, and remember its not the world against you, its you against the world...Only you know whats right!! Good luck..
2007-06-10 12:58:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋