Community Chat

[lulu2]

Yes, once

[Say Nay]

On 1/3/2015 SydneyH said:

Yes, one of the most terrifying experiences ever.

Ditto that.

I was a witness to a bad traffic accident that turned into a court case. The whole experience was awful and time consuming.

[divine]

I have testified twice, and was not told what color to wear. I was only a teenager the first time and don't remember what I wore, but I'm sure it wasn't black. It was either a dress or sweater/blouse and skirt. The second time I testified I wore a teal pantsuit. Neither time was I told what to say. I simply answered the questions as succinctly as possible. Yes, I was nervous both times.

[reiki604]

Like everyone else here suggested. Only answer what is asked as briefly as possible and do not elaborate or try to explain or justify your answers.

[Madisson]

Thank you, everyone! I'll start with yes/no answers if appropriate. From there, they will have to drag the responses out of me.

[Catitude]

I testified once and wore black!

[Gooday]

DH was a police officer so....yes. A lot!

Also, didn't any attorney discuss with you the questions that may be answered?

Also, my brother is a judge and one of the first things they tell you in law school is "never ask a question you do not know the answer to". So, I wouldn't worry too much if I were you. It's pretty well scripted.

[sfnative]

My husband had to testify in a high profile trial in November and the DA simply asked him to wear business casual. There was no color restriction.

This one is dated: About 20 years ago, I was involved in and had to testify in an arbitration hearing. Since we were the defendants, I asked an attorney friend what I should wear and she said that I should "power dress." Further, she said specifically red and black - black being the skirt. So...I treated myself to a Jones New York suit the skirt of which was black with a red silk blazer and red and white silk blouse. (Nordstrom.) I loved that suit and wore it for years. (We won.)

If I were you, I'd pick something in the muted blue or green family, providing you can wear either color well.

Good luck.

[isaboo]

On 1/3/2015 raven-blackbird said:

I have testified twice..............keep your answer short and direct.............................raven

I have to testify quite a bit as it is part of my job. We've been instructed to do just as raven said ""keep your answer short and direct"". I've never been told to not wear black but I guess I could be a factor. You can also ask the atty ahead of time what he is going to ask you.

[Madisson]

On 1/4/2015 Gooday said:

DH was a police officer so....yes. A lot!

Also, didn't any attorney discuss with you the questions that may be answered?

Also, my brother is a judge and one of the first things they tell you in law school is "never ask a question you do not know the answer to". So, I wouldn't worry too much if I were you. It's pretty well scripted.

I'm meeting with him tomorrow for that part. I'm just afraid I might say something dumb and lose the case for my friend. I guess I like the responses that say to keep your answers short. They can ask further questions if they want more information from me.