help with court appearance

[Hurricane Puffrose]

No.. I haven't been naughty and shoplifted from ASDA, or punched my neighbours up the throat.. I haven't even put the kids on Ebay... yet.

After having my house smashed up, there is a strong possiblity I will be called up for witness (I find out on Monday) and I haven't got a clue, I was absent the day school did the Courtroom Ettiquette course!

Here are my questions, what do I call the solicitors? Sir? Madam?
I call the Judge Your Honour (Not guilty your Honour, I didn't stalk Gale Harold I promise) but do I speak to him directly, or through the solicitor?
Can I ask to speak to the Judge?
I have to make a vicitim something other statement (vicitim impact statement?),
1 what is it?
2 do I have to get a solicitor to sign it or does the prosecution lawyer sign it?
3 what happens if half way through I, as is my wont when I'm nervy, get the giggles?
I really don't want this guy going to prison, he's an ex squaddie and has already been to hell and back, I want him to get help. He needs anger management and drink counselling desperately, would me saying that in court make a blind bit of notice?

Do i need to be in the room or can my statement be read out for me? I couldn't look the poor sod in the eye if he got sent down!

[bluebottle]

Re: help with court appearance

Okay, Puff. Check you inbox.

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: help with court appearance

ty bb

[Bill-K]

Re: help with court appearance

I doubt if I can add to BB's privately-imparted advice, Puff.

If you have a half-decent Judge, I can only suggest that you speak from your heart. It is a good heart, and a good Judge will know that. Decent judges understand compassion and empathy.

But it's not you who is on trial, is it ? You must tell the truth - or your honest perception of the truth. Your further opinion may be invited, perhaps - and that is where I hope you will be allowed to express your deeply-held sentiments regarding this guy. I sure wouldn't want to find myself between him and his dear lady - but he is the one guy I would reach out for if ever a land-mine blew off one of my legs. He's been to a world I have no real knowledge of.

You won't be there to defend yourself, so you will not need to be aggressive in return. You clearly need some recompense, but you are not going in to destroy this guy. In his terminology, this is a 'small arms' matter, I reckon.