Preparing for Court Remember, one can never be over prepared for court. Beyond reviewing the specifics with the attorney, other essential responsibilities of the client play a very vital role. Here are basic rules of thumb that will allow the client and the attorney to work as a successful team. Presentation: the client should always be very comfortable, but not to sacrifice a proper and respectable appearance. Respect: Be on time, don't curse, address the judge properly, don't raise voice, etc... Relax: Even though the experience is very new, it is very helpful for the attorney if the client is relaxed. It is next to impossible not to be nervous on the witness stand, but one must remember to listen to all questions asked in full. Never think of an answer before the question is finished. The opposing counsel will pick up on this and use it to their advantage. Pronunciation: Be as clear as possible. If one is soft spoken, than he or she might have to talk extra loud. Whatever is said in a court room should be heard by everyone. If an answer is not clear, someone will ask for it to be repeated. It is rarely to the benefit of the person on the stand to have to repeat anything. Be as direct as possible. One should speak as though he or she ordinarily does. For some reason people feel they must use formal language in the court room, when it only comes across as a falsehood. Honesty: It is essential that all witnesses tell the truth. If one's case is destroyed due to the truth, one should not be in court in the first place, that is when out of court settlement should take place. Dishonesty in the court room is obviously looked down upon, and will only worsen any situation. Return to the Legal Process Page

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