special measures application

[Rights Fighter]

Answering questions:

Defence barrister will be ok with you. Direct your answers to the jury, as though you are having a conversation with them

Crown: likely not to be so friendly. Will possibly try to set you off on one, so don't let them do this. If you feel yourself losing your temper count from 5 backwards, bring yourself back and then answer - addressing the jury as though you are talking to just them.

If you are accused of 'thinking about your answer' (suggesting you are lying) just say something like 'I am really nervous, scared even, and I want to give my best evidence which means that I have to concentrate on your questions so I answer them as best I can'.

Say that looking at the barrister but also looking at the jury so they can see you want them to hear what you have to say.

[NOHOPE]

goodness me so much to think about but i will be ok on the day i know i will, she has tried to destroy my life i wont help her by falling to bits when it is most important i dont.
god its like one of the biggest interviews of our lives.

[fighter]

one more thing.. you are allowed to say I cannot remember also instead of coming up with an answer that could be used against you. or maybe because my partner's case goes back 14 to 17 years ago :-) but definitely not good when all you say is I cannot remember-- which was the tactic of the accuser.. she said it so many times that during the jury deliberation; the jury asked whether her "mild" epilepsy has affected her memory! out of topic, but the main point is there are things you might be asked that you cannot remember and that is fine.

[fighter]

god its like one of the biggest interviews of our lives.

yes, it looks like the biggest interview because you are fighting for your loved one's freedom :-) it would be worth it!

[Boys don't cry]

Nohope

You are allowed to say "I don't remember" but the barrister is allowed to ask the judge to give you your own statement to refresh your memory.
If you really don't remember it might help.

[Faith]

Although bear in mind that if this happens too often, the jury might wonder why you need your memory jogged if it's the truth...

[fighter]

Although bear in mind that if this happens too often, the jury might wonder why you need your memory jogged if it's the truth...

yup I agree, it is more tricky in the cross-examination part...

[fighter]

if you have a timeline.. you could study it :-)

[Boys don't cry]

yup I agree, it is more tricky in the cross-examination part...

So do I.
Thank you Faith and Fighter.

[diana_holbourn]

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

It might help you not to lose your temper if you always try to keep in mind that no matter what the prosecution barrister says and no matter how much feeling they put into it, they're not necessarily saying those things because they actually believe them; they're just doing a job, part of which involves putting on an act to try and be as convincing as they can, so they serve the person they're representing well. Even if they've come to believe the person's telling lies, I think they'll still behave like that, because it's their job. If you try not to take it personally it might help take the sting out of it a bit; they're not necessarily saying what they really think at all, just what they think will be the most convincing, to do their job the best way they can.


It'll still be stressful to listen to, but maybe you could think of yourself as putting on a matching act, one where you feel calm and confident. Naturally that doesn't mean saying anything you're not sure is true like they probably will; it just means doing your best to leave the jury with a good impression, so they'll feel for you more and think you come across as respectable, so they'll be more willing to take your side than they would be if they were irritated by anything you said.

[Boys don't cry]

@Diana

What a perfect post,this is so true.
Even if they know that the accusator is not credible or lying,
they will still do their job with a professional attitude to convict.

[friday]

I had a screen and it was offered I give evidence via video link (I have a severe mental health condition in addition to being a rape victim and had a panic attack in court and nearly didn't go through with going to court). The police said that if you give evidence via video link it can have a detrimental effect on the verdict because the jury don't get as emotionally involved as if you are in the court room with them. Not sure how accurate that is but thought I'd throw that idea in there.

[Boys don't cry]

NOHOPE

If you support him that much,care about him and want to save him,you should go.
Friday is true,it is always better and more,I think :"objective" is the word.
When you see someone in person it proves that you show a minimum of concern about the case.

I was happy to have reference letters as well but my witnesses did a brilliant "job"and I do even have more respect for them.
Being present I am 100% sure can make a difference.
It is more human and shows that you care,that you believe in him.
In a way that you forgive him so if you can I hope the jury will as well.

I was told that even if I was not present,the judgement will still be dealt with.
I am please I went.

By the way I just found a website that may help some of the members.
http://www.videojug.com/interview/be...-by-the-police

Good luck for both of you.

[Saffron]

I had a screen and it was offered I give evidence via video link (I have a severe mental health condition in addition to being a rape victim and had a panic attack in court and nearly didn't go through with going to court). The police said that if you give evidence via video link it can have a detrimental effect on the verdict because the jury don't get as emotionally involved as if you are in the court room with them. Not sure how accurate that is but thought I'd throw that idea in there.

Friday, I think this is true. However I also think it is easier to lie via videolink. You can't see the jury, or the be-wigged judge, or Her Maj's seal on the wall...so there isn't that sense of reality.

Kudos to you for having the courage to actually walk into the court.

[friday]

^Not sure it was courage, more the fear of not being able to live with myself for not doing everything in my power to try get him locked up so others wouldn't suffer.