Posted By Zoe Barnett I am due to make my first appearance in court (as a witness for the defence I hasten to add) in a compensation case my employer is defending. Although I am sure of my ground from a health and safety point of view, I am frankly petrified at the idea of actually giving my evidence. Has anyone out there been there, done that, and can give me some tips before I end up getting done for contempt of court when I do a runner?

Posted By Eric Burt Zoe I have a Powerpoint presentation and some notes for a witness preparation session that we have. I'll send it to you directly. Good luck!! Eric

Posted By John Allen Zoe, Preparation is the best defence. Write down everything you know about the accident and get a friend to ask you questions on it as if you were in the witness box. Then look at the information as though you were on the other side. If you were representing them how would you make the case and what questions would you ask. What are the weak points in your case? Make sure you have the answers. I would make sure you find out from your employer or his lawyer whether you are being asked to give evidence on a purely factual basis ie things you have seen for yourself or if you are being cited as an expert witness in which case you may be asked for your opinion. Confine yourself to the questions asked and don't volunteer information that you have not been asked to give. Courts are generally less formal and dramatic than they appear in TV and films. The court room is unlikely to be packed with members of the public. It's a poor judge who does not take into account the fact that the witness is likely to be nervous and he is unlikely to allow a counsel to hector you, especially if you are not there as an expert. Finally most cases settle out of court beforehand or even "on the steps". It's much cheaper. When you get into court with a QC or senior advocate the meter is spinning like a demented thing and you can easily rack up thousands in cost in now time. The firm's lawyer will know this and take it into account in determining whether to settle. Good luck!

Posted By Bob Youel You can make your own notes and USE them in court - this will help a first timer - Additionally visit a number of different courts to get a feel for the process - Remember lawyers get paid lots of £ and they only concentrate on the particular case in hand - dont try to be anything but truthful and only answer the question asked - ask them to clarify if you are not sure.

Posted By Nigel Hammond I went to an expert witness course run by Bond Solon Solicitors in London a few years ago - but I have not have the delightful experience of standing in a real court! A couple of points that I remember from the course were: 1. If barristers get a bit nasty - recognise it as 'tricks of the trade' and not a personal attack (easier said than done!). For example: > I gather they may ask questions on the edge of your expertise so you end up giving shaky answers. -so if it is outside your area of expertise, I would say so. >They also like clichés like "you would say that wouldn't you!" with a raised angry voice- so make it clear if what you say is based on facts or an opinion. >They may also try to discredit your experience by asking how many cases involving a specific topic you have done before - knowing the simple answer might be 'none'. I would be inclined to answer like "I have been a practising H&S adviser for 20 years etc etc" before finishing your answer and admitting you have no experience in the topic they are pressing on. 2. I was told to remember the three most strong points of your client's case so you steer your answers back to those points. This seems to contradict what others have said on this thread about sticking to the questions - so it would be interesting to hear other views. I could be talking rubbish because I've never stood up in court! - so don't take my suggestions too seriously. Just hope it may help. Good luck!!

Posted By Eric Burt Zoe To get a general feel for the aura of a court-room, give your local HSE inspector a ring and ask them if they have any cases coming up. I've done this a couple of times and have found it to be very useful. It depends on how well you know them, but they may be able to give you some background to the case as well. It's also very useful for students doing the NEBOSH Certificate / Diploma. Good luck. Regards, Eric

Posted By Ken Taylor Presumably a law suit, Zoe?