WITNESS FAMILIARISATION
Telling it how it really is, this unique 2-day course is delivered by a renowned practising expert witness in partnership with leading barristers.
The programme is specifically designed for people who may be asked to attend a tribunal or court as a witness of fact, (sometimes referred to as a lay witness and not to be confused with an expert witness).
As all witnesses may potentially give evidence in court/tribunal, it is our objective to enable delegates to be familiar with the environment and processes, and how to present their evidence cogently and in a non-confrontational and safe manner.
Strategy is one of the key principles of cross-examination and this is another mantra of the barrister; "Do not fight head-on. Instead, shape the ground. This narrows the other's course of action, leading them where you want. They have no alternative." Sun Tzu - The Art of War.
While this programme is not designed to turn delegates into court room combatants it will be our aim to provide them with the tools to gain a good understanding of how to deal with questioning, or at least minimise the damage so that they may appear cogent and reasonable.
WHO IS THE COURSE DESIGNED FOR?
Any person likely to give evidence at a court or tribunal.
HOW YOUR PEOPLE CAN BENEFIT
We will:
- show them what to expect at a court or tribunal; what it looks like, the procedures to follow, who's who, and familiarise them with the whole process.
- give them an understanding of the purpose of their attendance at a hearing and ensure they are tutored in the skills essential for giving effective evidence through discussion and role-play.
- provide them with the right strategies to present, understand and deal with the examination of their evidence.
- tutor them in who to address, how to speak, what to wear and how to comport themselves.
- provide key "do's" and "don'ts" when giving evidence.
- give them top tips on how to remain calm under pressure.
- clarify examination-in-chief, cross-examination and re-examination.
- reveal the tricks lawyers get up to during cross-examination and explore their thinking to reach the objective they seek.
- provide them with the opportunity to experience cross-examination in a mock court room setting by an experienced barrister.
What we will NOT do for your people:
While there is nothing objectionable in witness familiarisation which gives an introduction to the theory, practice and procedure of giving evidence, as it is a common experience that anxious witnesses are given general guidance on how to behave in court, a witness must not be coached or trained in matters that are live or pertinent to the witness.
Therefore, any tutoring including mock cross-examinations must not be based on facts which are the same as or similar to those of any current or impending trial, hearing or proceedings at which a course participant is likely to be a witness.
Westerfield Business Centre • Westerfield • Ipswich • Suffolk • IP6 9AB
Tel 01473 288 018 Fax 01473 288 863 Email info@witnessbox.co.uk
Witness of Fact
is someone who may have seen an incident and is able to say how it happened.
Expert Witness
is someone who specialises in a particular subject and whose knowledge, qualifications, skills and experience can prove of benefit to the court/tribunal by providing a professional opinion.
