I'm in court tomorrow.. What do I wear??
Discussion
A suit would be preferable for both the Magistrates' and Crown court. You will be OK with wearing what you describe in the Magistrates' court, and probably Crown, but I'd avoid it for Crown if possible.
Good luck and take your time answering questions. If you don't know, you don't know.
Good luck and take your time answering questions. If you don't know, you don't know.
Wear what you want - you are only there to answer questions not to be judged.
Dont feel the need to elaborate - the prosecution, defence and judge will ask you for more information if they need it and as said already, if you cant remember or dont know then answer truthfully that you dont know or cant remember.
Dont feel the need to elaborate - the prosecution, defence and judge will ask you for more information if they need it and as said already, if you cant remember or dont know then answer truthfully that you dont know or cant remember.
You'll be fine. A few pointers...
Answer the question you've been asked.
If you don't know or can't remember, just say so.
Don't guess.
Don't try and give the "right" answer.
Don't try and think ahead about where a line of questioning might be going.
Concentrate on the question you've been asked, not what you might be asked in two or three questions.
Listen.
If you miss something, ask for it to be repeated.
Sounds obvious, but tell the truth.
Answer the question you've been asked.
If you don't know or can't remember, just say so.
Don't guess.
Don't try and give the "right" answer.
Don't try and think ahead about where a line of questioning might be going.
Concentrate on the question you've been asked, not what you might be asked in two or three questions.
Listen.
If you miss something, ask for it to be repeated.
Sounds obvious, but tell the truth.
elephantstone said:
Witnessed a road rage/bump and have been called to court tomorrow as a witness. What do i wear? Never been to court before so have no idea if there are general do's and donts. Was going to stick black jeans, shirt and a smart jacket and black smart boots. Will this be ok?
If it's a Magistrates' court then your trial will probably be double or triple listed and your case won't proceed. They like to deal with domestic violence and other apparently more pressing matters. If your trial has already been adjourned once or twice then you might have a chance of getting on. The defence will be told that you have arrived, and perhaps the defendant will change his plea, or plead guilty to a less serious charge. Do not wear jeans, it's a court not a pub. LoonR1 said:
He can wear whatever the hell he wants.
Try telling that to the judge.http://www.legalcheek.com/2013/09/crime-against-fa...
agtlaw said:
LoonR1 said:
He can wear whatever the hell he wants.
Try telling that to the judge.http://www.legalcheek.com/2013/09/crime-against-fa...
agtlaw said:
LoonR1 said:
He can wear whatever the hell he wants.
Try telling that to the judge.http://www.legalcheek.com/2013/09/crime-against-fa...
Issi said:
But common sense and a tiny bit of dignity would have him turning up smart and not looking like he'd been dipped in glue and thrown through an Oxfam shop window.
Hmmmmmm, I wonder if wearing something like black jeans, shirt and a smart jacket and black smart boots would do. You know, just as he posted right at the start. Not a serious post, Loon. Unlikely to get HHJ Richardson QC in the Mags.
My own personal / professional view is that wearing jeans is inappropriate in court, but if that's the only option then ok. Just try not to look or sound like a criminal. No visible tattoos, earrings, excessive jewellery. Be extra polite - Sir, Madam, please, thank you. Magistrates (I'm assuming this venue) are very conservative.
My own personal / professional view is that wearing jeans is inappropriate in court, but if that's the only option then ok. Just try not to look or sound like a criminal. No visible tattoos, earrings, excessive jewellery. Be extra polite - Sir, Madam, please, thank you. Magistrates (I'm assuming this venue) are very conservative.
Another tip - turn your body towards and make eye contact with the judge when giving your evidence ; only turn your head and look towards the lawyers when they ask their questions - then turn back and address your answers to the judge ( assuming a summary trial , if a solemn one then you are addressing the jury ) .
Assuming you are in front of a magistrate , treat him as the most important person in the court , look in his direction and speak directly to HIM ( or her ) , then he is more likely to be impressed with what you say than if you stare vacantly across the room or down at your feet .
Very occasionally a defence lawyer might try to slant your evidence by asking a very specific question , or for a yes/no answer which does not tell the whole story . You are perfectly entitled ( having taken an oath to tell the WHOLE truth ) to say to the judge exactly that and that you would like to present the full facts - the judge , not the lawyers , is in charge and he will decide what he wants to hear .
Oh , and relevant to another point above , contemporaneous notes are permitted , but you must ask permission to refer to them before you produce them - for example , in this case you might have jotted down the registration number of the car and a few other details at the scene , and it is fine to refer to these - on the other hand , a series of notes made the night before appearing in court would NOT generally be permitted .
I agree with the comments about dress , smart dress , well groomed appearance ( don't be unshaven or dishevelled ) are the order of the day , if not a suit , ideally smart jacket & trousers , shirt & tie etc .
Assuming you are in front of a magistrate , treat him as the most important person in the court , look in his direction and speak directly to HIM ( or her ) , then he is more likely to be impressed with what you say than if you stare vacantly across the room or down at your feet .
Very occasionally a defence lawyer might try to slant your evidence by asking a very specific question , or for a yes/no answer which does not tell the whole story . You are perfectly entitled ( having taken an oath to tell the WHOLE truth ) to say to the judge exactly that and that you would like to present the full facts - the judge , not the lawyers , is in charge and he will decide what he wants to hear .
Oh , and relevant to another point above , contemporaneous notes are permitted , but you must ask permission to refer to them before you produce them - for example , in this case you might have jotted down the registration number of the car and a few other details at the scene , and it is fine to refer to these - on the other hand , a series of notes made the night before appearing in court would NOT generally be permitted .
I agree with the comments about dress , smart dress , well groomed appearance ( don't be unshaven or dishevelled ) are the order of the day , if not a suit , ideally smart jacket & trousers , shirt & tie etc .
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff