special measures application

[Rights Fighter]

I don't know of him. Does he fill hubby with confidence?

[NOHOPE]

yes he seems realy happy with him he said he asked the solic for things like the wrresting officers notes from his book and some personsl stuff from her underwear he said something but sounds a bit rude to put on here.
he did say to me please do not worry they need to prove your hubby is gulity not the other way round and i said i aqm worried he said he is in safe hands but im sure they all say this.

this was by the way was outside as he said he could not discuss details as i am a witness i was gutted as hubby is a bit useless so he goes again for a meeting with him next week so i have wrote a list of questions

if he gets the right result i wil ask his permisson to post him on here

[lawlessone2009]

Nerves. Stress. Anxiety.

We all get it. As your circumstances move towards the 'big day(s)' it builds and builds. The 'screen' is of course a thorn in your side but what if it was you that was going to be appearing in the accusers circumstance? You'd want a screen??

It's only a screen. Focus on the quality and quantity of information that everyone is able to put forward. Hope that she starts making errors and your barrister is able to start picking things apart.

You'll really be hoping that the accuser admits to her misdeeds but she's now in a place where she is forced to carry through her allegations for fear of ending up in jail herself. It's a really clever setup. Hope that the stresses and strains on her show the falseness to the jury and they deliver the verdict that you both crave.

I wouldn't read too much into things. I know that's easy to say and I know that I'll be on here next week in your shoes asking no doubt similar questions but at the moment my thoughts and worries are less than yours so I hope you don't mind me rambling on...... The screen is just a screen, it's a scary screen but not a hurdle that you are unable to overcome.

[fighter]

Nohope,
The accuser in my partner's case gave her evidence through a video link/conference. It does look they are protected but she also tripped herself up. I think because she cannot see the people who are looking on her but only the judge and barristers, she let down her guard a bit. But I think the jury will forget about her being behind the screen but will focus on what she is saying and how she is saying it. The screen would not assure her of any tripping up on her lies. The set up is annoying in the beginning because of what it implies but it will all be forgotten when they cannot give a good account of what has happened and especially when they are cornered.

[Faith]

Well said Fighter, completely agree.

[NOHOPE]

actually fighter you have made me a lot happier i think what you say about her being behind a screen then the jury can only focus on what she is saying were as with hubby they can see him and hopefully realise he could never do such a thing, so it could actually work in our favour.

oh well ages to go yet so will focus on good things for now and will focus on this when i need to.

anybody know a good fortune teller ha ha

[marynarz]

I have question.

Everyone is talking about victims.

But what about defence witnesses? CAN THEY GIVE ANY STATEMENTS IN THE COURT THRUE THE VIDEO etc????

THATS MY QUESTION :-))

[fighter]

Nohope, we also worried about that and we even asked our solicitor what if the accuser played the victim who cries and cannot go on; the defense told us, if it happens, the accuser will be given a break but she cannot escape from answering questions. They can play drama all they want..but they have to deal with questions. After the cross examination of the accuser. The defense team told us, see no drama, it is not always gonna happen; what you fear you would happen. The barrister was gentle and nice to the accuser so the jury would not feel sorry for her or not give her a chance to cry! :-)

We do get paranoid..but keep on asking questions like I did so you can battle any fear and also you tell your barrister of your concerns especially if you know the accuser you can tell them how the accuser lied in the past and how they can be caught.

and hope.. I wish I also know a fortune teller before :-) quite normal to really want to know how it will go! Hang on and keep the faith!!! you are doing fine nohope!!

[Faith]

I have question.

Everyone is talking about victims.

But what about defence witnesses? CAN THEY GIVE ANY STATEMENTS IN THE COURT THRUE THE VIDEO etc????

THATS MY QUESTION :-))

Rights Fighter's post refers to all witnesses...so it they fit into any of the categories listed then they are entitled to make a request for a screen/video reference. Ask your solicitor/barrister

[marynarz]

Rights Fighter's post refers to all witnesses...r

Which post is that?
Sorry for my question

[Faith]

Post #7 further up this page

[NOHOPE]

i am a witness for the defence, i wasnt there at the time just them two so really what they will ask me i think is the scariest bit.

i have read the sticky about questions asked and stuff but i will need to ask the solicitor about what type of cross examination i might get. its the keeping my cool bit and not just wanting to scream at the top of my voice

ARE YOU ALL TOTALY STUPID AS IF THIS MAN COULD FORCE HIMSELF ON ANYONE IF YOU KNEW HIM YOU WOULD KNOW THAT, YES HE CHEATED ON ME BUT THATS FOR ME AND MINE TO SORT OUT NOT A BLOODY JURY FOR GODS SAKE.
ha feel better already

[fighter]

oh Nohope hugs!! i cannot begin to imagine how to be in the witness box. The defense team will instruct you. Did you make a statement before? In our trial; the defense team just let the witnesses confirm what they have said on the statement and they stuck to that so that the prosecution side would have less ammunition. They would highlight things that you might be allowed to give more detail to confirm that some events really happened. I guess straight,brief and concise answer would be helpful. The defense team will probably remind you to be calm. Even us we sit in the gallery we were instructed by the defense team not to express any intense expression as well as my partner as he sat behind the glass box.

keep calm... so you need to take calming tablets or yoga or anything to calm you down as the trial approaches. You only get one shot in the witness box and if you appear nervous; angry and twitchy, the jury will pick up on it. The defense team will also warn you that the prosecution will wind you up in the hope you can say something damaging. It is all a mind game with rules and strategy in the court room sadly

[Rights Fighter]

Special measures for defence witnesses - there would have to be some really good reasons for this:

1: fear for personal safety (and not just on the say so of the witness - if they have been threatened or harassed in relation to the case and there is evidence of this, then it might be permitted.

2: as above and because if they are scared it would have an adverse effect on their ability to give their best evidence.

It really depends on the reason why.


Re Special Measures for prosecution witnesses - it can of course have the opposite effect on the jury relating to what some on here fear: not that they are 'scared' of the defendant - but because they cannot face him - because they are lying.

[Boys don't cry]

Nohope.
So many questions to ask and answer...
Don't worry about the screen,the most important is the truth.
If I could have seen her I would have telekinesis.
I am sure you made a statement prior to the Court and the defense barrister will ask you exactly what you stated.
Don't be scared and remember he is here to help your partner.
Just answer what he will ask you.Be yourself and natural.
Don't show emotion,don't go over the top...
In a way I was please there was a screen otherwise I would have lost my concentration.
I am not sure what kind of screen it is because I thought I was the only one not being able to see her,but the jury could?
If you forget important things don't worry the barrister will try to guide you to answer the most important questions.
(One of her family member was a witness for me and once in a box,she just answered "I don't remember"to the defense barrister and I felt really...sick).
Then this witness was passed the statement to refresh a forgetful mind and suddenly the memory came back.
You will have only to stick to your statement.