Disclaimer

• Tell the truth! This is the single most important rule to remember.
  
  
• Dress neatly! A neat appearance and proper dress in court are important.
  
  
• Be prepared! You will usually know well ahead of time that you will be testifying in court. If you have made a written statement for the police, the Prosecutor will have a copy you may review to refresh your memory on some details. Think ahead of time about the answers you will give to the questions you expect will be asked.
  
  
• Stick to the facts! It is important that you tell only what you know, not what someone else told you. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so. DON’T GUESS!
  
  
• Relax … speak clearly! You have nothing to fear when giving true answers. When you are asked questions, give your answer as clearly as possible.
  
  
• Take a moment to think about your answer before you give it.
  
  
• Don’t start to answer a question until the question is finished. Don’t jump ahead by answering what you think the question will be. If you didn’t hear or understand the question ask that it be repeated.
  
  
• Answer the question, and only the question. Your answer may be long or short, but it should respond only to the question asked. Do not volunteer additional information.
  
  
• Expect to be questioned by several people. One of the basic rules in a criminal case is that both sides may question a witness.
  
  
• Don’t let the defense lawyer upset you. He is only trying to test your knowledge and grasp of the facts.
  
  
• Answer the questions verbally. When your testimony is being recorded, head shakes or nods don’t show in the record. Say "yes" or "no" (and not just "uh-huh" or "unh-uh")
  
  
• If either lawyer objects to a question, stop speaking at once! Once the judge rules, you will be instructed whether to continue.

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