Content of a Statement of Truth

[Faceache]

Hello everyone.

I understand the principle of writing a Statement of Truth, but I haven't seen any confirmation of what can/should be included in it. Of course it must be the truthful account of the situation in question to the best of one's recollection, but what about aspects for which you are uncertain? Can you include these, but with the proviso that it is uncertain? Or even add aspects that you cannot recall at all whilst making this clear, if this could be helpful to the statement?

Thank you.

[atticus]

See CPR PD 32 para 20.2

20.2 To verify a witness statement the statement of truth is as follows:

"I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true. I understand that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against anyone who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth."

If there are any caveats or qualifications of the kind you mention, these should be made clear in the body of the statement.

[Faceache]

Thank you for confirming.

It would be a short SoT otherwise :-)

It's perfectly fine and helpful, then, if I state what I do solidly recall, and then add the bits that "I think I remember seeing... but I am not certain", and "I do not at all recall seeing anyone do xyz..."?

[atticus]

Yes. Be absolutely clear as to what is evidence you can give firmly and what is not.

NB the statement of truth is the bit at the end, the wording I have given you. This verifies the content of your witness statement. Para 19 of CPR PD 32 deals with the form and content of witness statements (see link given earlier).

[Faceache]

Thank you.