court

[stylinsam]

im going to court this afternoon to be a witness, my brother in law got in to a fight (which wasnt his fault) and ended up been slashed on his hand by a glass bottle, now i was there and i saw everything,
but my question is iv never been to court before and im very nervous anyone ever been that can offer me any advice???

thanks SSx

[4getmenot]

yes I've been but only as support for an ex. So have never had to actually stand up and say anything.

[redcrx]

sam,
Im sure that B&S can get you some answers (plus some silly ones) but try Law as well for this.

[nursecarla]

the courtroom is likely to be practically empty, just answer their questions and try and relax you will be fine x x x

[stylinsam]

thanks for your kinds words (nursecarla ;o))

[kick3m0n]

good luck sam, good advice there from Carla I think :o)

Carla, good morning sweetie, so glad you're feeling better. tc xx

[nursecarla]

Hellooo kick this is the first day i have felt normal in ages (if im ever normal ) x x sending extra hugs to you know who :)) x x x x

[kick3m0n]

he'll love those, he's a huggy wee monster lol xxxx

[China Doll]

Just answer the questions clearly and try to stay calm. You will be fine. If you feel like you're going to stutter your answer take a deep breath, count to ten and then speak. Good luck to you xx

[jno]

actually, it's possible - though not certain - that you'll be cross examined by one of those loud, bullying lawyers trying to trip you up. Be clear in your own mind what you saw. Don't be afraid to stop and think before answering - it's not a conversation but an exam, and you're entitled to think about what you say before you say it. If there's any difference between what you have to say and any statements you have previously given to the police, be prepared to explain it. If there's any difference between what you have to say and what anybody else has said, just repeat that this is what you remember.

And try not to worry about 'letting your brother in law down' - your job is to tell the truth as you saw it, not to come to the rescue of a family member.

[suffragette]

I would suggest you get to court early enough to find a seat in the waiting area and get a feel of the place, its atmosphere and how people are behaving. Take some deep breaths and remember you are there to tell the truth and no more.

Please don't have a drink or take a tablet to calm your nerves beforehand. If the barrister/magistrate asking questions notices anything of that nature and asks you if you have been drinking, it can harm your credibility with the jury/magistrates. Stick with water and remember you are not on trial and are merely a cog in a bigger wheel of justice.

Good luck, best wishes and have a stiff drink when it's all over.

[raysparx1]

Hi sam,

I have appeared before a few magistrates I am sorry to say, I think as a witness,if questioned they will try to make out you are a liar, just stay calm,don't get annoyed,count to five or ten if you feel flustered, I was in the dock,never been a witness though, LOL, Take it easy sam, just imagine the old gits in there Y fronts that will calm you down, good luck, Ray xx

[wizard69]

"imagine the old gits in their y-fronts" lol raysparx1...thats probably the best way to handle it though.These people might be educated and highly trained in their jobs but they are still humans who fart,use the loo and pick their noses when no one is around.Take raysparx's advice and try not to laugh too much.Good luck stylinsam.(ps..last time I was in a court room I got 3 months for assault...now THATS nervewracking lol)