What is expected of a witness?
Giving testimony. It is the attorney”s responsibility to ask the questions and direct your testimony. Your job as a witness is only to stay calm as possible and to tell the truth. • (1) WEAR CLOTHING SUITABLE FOR COURT. (No shorts, halter tops, bare feet, etc.) Do not chew gum, eat food, or rattle objects in your pocket while testifying. • (2) ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH. As a witness, you will be sworn under penalty of perjury to tell the whole truth. Not only is it a crime not to tell the truth, but a lie, no matter how insignificant, could cause the judge or jury to disbelieve all your testimony. Only testify to what you personally know. • (3) CONTROL YOUR TEMPER. By losing your temper, you can hurt your testimony either by inviting more cross-examination or by clouding the facts. Remain calm. • (4) SPEAK CLEARLY AND LOUDLY. Your testimony will be of no value, unless everyone in the room can hear and understand it. If you do not speak loudly enough to be understood, the judge or jury may
