Court Witness - advice needed.

[goldfish100]

I know someone who will soon have to appear in court as a witness, however, she is feeling slightly aprehensive about the whole thing. Does anyone know of some websites that have info about this sort of thing or can anyone offer any advice.

Many thanks

[Idyllynn]

Your friend should go to the lawyer of the person she is siding with and talk about her aprehensions. I was advised to do this very thing when it was my turn as a witness and it helps the case instead of hurting it.

[goldfish100]

Hi Idyllynn,

Thanks for the lightning response, unfortunatley, It's not a case of taking sides. It was an unfortunate event where she happened to just be around when an incident took place. She has not associated with either party.

[harper]

Hi. Tell your friend not to worry.I am ultra shy and was absolutely petrified before going to court to give evidence.Much to my amazement I actually enjoyed the experience very much and would happily do it again.I found the court officials to be very helpful and reassuring, and they make the experience as easy for you as they can.I suppose they are very used to apprehensive witnesses.My mother was a witness many years ago and still talks about her experience (at length and often!)Tell your friend not to worry : being a witness is nothing to worry about.If she was in the dock she might have reason to worry!

Try www.huddsonline.co.uk/legaladvice_witnesscourt.htm

Best of luck!

[Ward-Minter]

At court there will be a WSO---a witness support officer, Usually a friendly old face to alleviate any fears.

 

Likewise if she knows the name of the Police Officer involved contact them or The Criminal Justice Dept of that Police Station.

 

Trust me she has nothing to worry about. The crime of witness intimidation will probably be a lot more serious than the crime the baddie is at court for.

[goldfish100]

Wonderful, Just what the doctor ordered! Thanks.

[Grunty]

If I can add a little to these excellent answers

Keep calm

Remember that nobody in the room is any better than you. 

Don't worry.  They are expecting you to be a normal person, not a trained barrister

Answer the questions by saying what you saw and heard - not what you think anyone else wants you to say

If you don't know the answer, just say so

Afterwards, ask yourself what you had been worried about.

[dove]

I had to go to court as a witness and was advised to find something to focus on just above the jurys head, that way when you are answering questions you dont have to be looking at any "undesirables" and it really did help.