Witness Guide for Deposition or Court (CustodySource Books Book 2)

Primarily to bare witness is to communicate. The meaning taken in communication is how it is received... not how it was intended. Interactions should be marked by civility, reasoned discourse, and mutual respect. Hostile personal attacks, will not be tolerated by a judge or jury. There is no restriction of the disclosure of feeling or strong opinion, but all disclosure should display your best manners... leave your “edge” and “attitude” elsewhere. Irony, sarcasm, and any such “nuanced” affective intention may work well in the courtroom but, communicates very poorly in a text based medium such as deposition.
Legal proceedings make everyone nervous. Remembering this will help you to be a better witness and help you avoid embarrassing yourself or damaging your case.
There are many differences between a deposition and courtroom testimony. A deposition is a fishing expedition and any or all things may be questioned. Courtroom testimony may only consist of information that is relevant or likely to lead to relevant evidence. Each should be thought of and prepared for separately even though you may experience both during one case.
This book was written for the person facing deposition or court for the first time or again after a long absence from the courtroom. There is a great deal of difference between an appearance for deposition and one for court. They are neither inclusive or exclusive of each other and preparation for each is essential.
The same remarkably friendly opposition attorney you face at deposition may treat you brutally in cross examination at court. This book will prepare you for the Professional Litigator or the Mad Dog approach.
There are many books written for attorneys on how to effectively question a witness but there is very little information available on how to competently answer the questions. The information available has been written by and for attorneys and expert witnesses, for whom the courtroom has become a second home. This book is specifically written for the layperson by a layperson with a great deal of help from the pros!
Whether you are testifying in court for your own case, on behalf of a friend, the company you work for, or in case you must appear because you have been served a subpoena witness’ Guide will help you.