POINTERS FOR WITNESSES
- TELL THE TRUTH - Honesty is always the best policy. Telling the truth, however, means more than not telling a falsehood. Telling the truth requires witnesses to testify accurately about what they know.
- DON'T GUESS - If you don't know, say you don't know.
- TAKE YOUR TIME - Think the question over thoroughly. Be sure you understand the question before you answer. You cannot give a truthful, accurate answer unless you understand the question. If you do not understand, ask the attorney to repeat it. He will probably ask the Court Reporter to read it back.
- ANSWER THE QUESTION. Do not volunteer information.
- SPEAK DISTINCTLY and loud enough for everyone, including the Court Reporter, to hear your answers. Do not nod your head for yes or no. Do not chew gum.
- BEWARE of questions that require an estimate as to distances or times. Be clear that you are making an estimate.
- BE READY to give your personal information, such as name, address, age, marital status, etc.
- DO NOT ARGUE or be evasive with the opposing attorney. He has a right to question you. Do not lose your temper.
- AVOID JOKING or being sarcastic. A lawsuit of any kind is a serious matter.
- BE COURTEOUS. This will make a positive impression on the Court and Jury. Address the Judge as "Your Honor".
- DO NOT BE AFRAID to look jurors in the eye when you answer.
- IN AN ACCIDENT case, it is not necessary to over-emphasize caution exercised for safety. Ordinary care is all that the Law requires.
- BE POSITIVE of your answers. If the opposing attorney asks if you are willing to swear to your version of what you saw or heard, don't be afraid to "swear" to it. You were "sworn" to tell the truth when you took the stand.
