GOING TO COURT

If you have been asked to give evidence it is likely the first step for you will be to write a witness statement and consequently there is a strong possibility you may be called to appear at a tribunal or court to support and give reasons for your evidence. Going to court can be a very daunting, even intimidating prospect.

The very fact you have given a statement means that you must go to court or tribunal and be prepared to give oral evidence and be cross-examined and this is what fills some people with dread, going so far as to suffer anxiety and panic attacks. Others brim with confidence, perhaps over-confidence, and this can be just as dangerous. Either way, it does not help the person/organisation you are giving evidence on behalf of, or the court/tribunal.

The purpose of Witness Aid is to help you help yourself to be thoroughly prepared and give your evidence clearly. This will help the court or tribunal arrive at the appropriate decision.

Witness Aid will guide you through how to prepare for going to court or tribunal, what the responsibility is of each court/tribunal (crime/civil), the layout and process of the various courts, what they look like, what to do when you get there and great tips on how to give evidence.

Witness Aid is created especially for potential lay witnesses, or witnesses of fact as they are also called, by Trevor Gilbert, regarded by many QCs and barristers as one of the UK’s leading expert witnesses. Trevor has over 20 years experience of giving evidence in courts and tribunals in thousands of civil cases.