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Tips for Testifying in Court

Tips

BE PREPARED: Close your eyes and try to picture the exact scene. Tell what happened in your own words. Ask to see your written statement If you made one.
SPEAK CLEARLY AND LOUDLY: Take a deep breath and relax before you answer any question. If you did not hear the question or did not understand the question, ask the Attorney to repeat the question.
ONLY ANSWER THE QUESTION THAT IS ASKED: Do not volunteer more information. If one of the Attorneys ask you a question to which there is an objection, do not answer until the Judge says it is OK to answer.
DO NOT GUESS OR SPECULATE: If you do not know the answer to a question, say so.
BE COURTEOUS: Try to remain calm and do not lose your temper. Be polite.
DRESS APPROPRIATE FOR COURT: Dress comfortably and appropriately for court. It is often cold in the courtroom; you may want to bring a sweater.

If your child has to testify in court:

Children can pick up on their parent's feelings. Try to be calm so that your child will be calm through the process as well.
Reassure your child that he/she will do fine and the importance to telling the truth about what he/she witnessed and/or experienced.
There may be some waiting time involved and depending on the age of the child, you may want to bring snacks, activities, or a book to keep the child engaged while waiting.

Dress Code

No flip-fops
No tank tops
No baseball caps
Tuck your shirt in your pants

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