| Timing | Activity |
|---|
| 0930 | Arrive |
| 0930 | Introduction |
| Importance of solicitor conducting familiarisation knowing
nothing about the case. Purpose of familiarisation - to assist the witness
to give of his or her best at the trial or hearing in question when giving
own uninfluenced evidence. |
| 0930-0945 | Preparation for giving evidence |
| Read witness statement/report carefully. Does it still
reflect your current recollection? Make sure you are familiar with the
document bundle which your solicitor has sent you (if any). Check with
solicitor which court room. Check with solicitor the time you are wanted.
What to wear. What to bring. Allow plenty of time to find court room. |
| 0945-1000 | The Process in outline |
| The Royal Courts of Justice. High Court judges. How to
address the judge. How to address others in the courtroom. High Court
procedure. The people in the courtroom. The layout of the courtroom.
How to behave in court. Witnesses of Fact wait outside. Expert Witnesses
should check with instructing solicitor whether they are permitted to sit
in. Procedure going into the courtroom. Procedure when entering the witness
box. The oath/affirmation. Whether to stand or sit. Examination in Chief
(if any). Cross examination. Re-examination. If court rises while still
giving evidence. Being stood down. Whether to leave the court or sit in.
Witness expenses - discuss with instructing solicitor. Expert witness fees
- discuss with instructing solicitor. |
| 1000-1010 | Examination in Chief (if any) |
| Pace of delivery. Address the judge. Watch the judge's
pen. Listen carefully to questions. If unsure what the question means.
ask. Gauge whether question calls for full answer or brief answer.
"please describe". "please explain" and closed questions. Allow yourself
thinking time. Try to be clear and precise. Use of language - be
yourself but remember the occasion. References to trial bundle by
advocate and judge. References to trial bundle by you. The end of
the examination in Chief. |
| 1020-1030 | Cross-examination |
| Pace of delivery. Address the judge. Watch the judge's
pen. Style of questions in cross-examination. Listen carefully to
questions. If unsure what the question means, ask. Allow yourself
thinking time. Try to be clear and precise. Self-control. Appropriate
manner and courtesy. Use of language. What if you are not allowed to
give a complete answer? What if you think your answers will be
misunderstood? |
| 1020-1030 | Remaining examination points |
| Questions from Judge - How to address the judge.
Listen carefully to questions. If unsure what the question means,
ask. Allow yourself thinking time. Try to be clear and precise. |
| Re-examination - What is it for? Will there be one?
Style of questions. |
| End of examination - Being stood down. If court rises
while still giving evidence. Whether to stay or go. |
| 1030-1045 | Examination in chief - Performance |
| A mock examination in chief based on fictional case
study. |
| 1045-1100 | Examination in chief - Video review |
| Witness given the opportunity to watch the performance
and to identify issues to be addressed. |
| 1100-1120 | Cross-examination - Performance |
| A mock cross-examination based on fictional case
study. |
| 1120-1145 | Cross-examination - Video review |
| Witness given the opportunity to watch the performance
and to identify issues to be addressed. |
| 1145-1200 | Review of issues |
| A discussion of the issues and a recap of information
previously given in the light of the experience of mock examinations. |
| 1200-1230 | Further mock examinations |
| If wanted, further examination and video review. |
| 1230 | End of Course |
