Why should witness familiarisation be considered?
Giving evidence can be a daunting, unfamiliar and uncomfortable experience for witnesses. A poor performance at a hearing can undermine a witness’s confidence, the credibility of their evidence can be detrimental to your client’s case. Most Witnesses of Fact and Expert Witnesses have never seen the inside of a courtroom, tribunal or other legal fora, and yet can be required to attend a hearing and be cross-examined without always understanding fully what is required of them, how to prepare fully and how to give evidence clearly. It is important that witnesses who will be facing unfamiliar procedures are put at ease as much as possible and not disadvantaged by the ignorance of the process or taken by surprise at the way in which it works. Witness familiarisation sessions are now regarded as an essential element of the pre-hearing process.
