Can you answer I don't remember in court?

Only answer the question if you know the answer. “I don't know” is a perfectly good responses (as long as it's the truth). “I don't remember,” “I don't recall,” and “I don't recall at the present time” are all perfectly good responses.

Can you say I don't remember in court?

"I don't recall" is often the most truthful answer if you're not sure. Then if the document shows up, it may refresh your memory, but it doesn't contradict your sworn testimony. On the other hand, if something is fundamental and wrong, you would never have done or said that. Don't hide the truth behind memory.

What do you say when you don't know the answer in court?

If you do not know, or cannot remember, say so. Do not guess or make up an answer. You can be positive about important things which you naturally would remember. If you are asked about little details which a person naturally would not remember, and you're unsure of the answer, it is best just to say so.

Can you say I don't remember under oath?

A witness cannot, however, repeatedly answer “I don't recall” to avoid truthfully answering questions. Being deliberately obstructive could result in a contempt finding, sanctions and even criminal punishment. Any deponent is under an obligation to provide truthful and accurate testimony under oath.

Is it perjury to say you don t remember?

If a person genuinely does not recall a fact, then it is safe to assume that they cannot be charged with perjury. However, it is important to note here that a person is called to the stand only if a side believes that they have information that will help their case.

Defense witness: Don't put words in my mouth

Is I don't remember a defense?

If saying the words "I don't remember" is really an excuse for refusing to testify, then you may have a privilege against self incrimination. Still, in limited situations you can be convicted of criminal perjury for saying "I don't remember".

Does memory hold up in court?

This distinction between the perception and reality of memory has important consequences in the context of the courtroom. In the legal system, like among the general public, it is generally assumed that memory is highly accurate and largely indelible, at least in the case of 'strong' memories.

Is it I can't recall or I don't recall?

As a noun “recall” is the ability to remember something or the act of remembering. The first syllable of the word is stressed. So we say RE-call, not re-CALL.

What is the difference between don t recall and don t remember?

Remember may mean “to bring to mind or think of again,” recall “to bring back to mind,” and recollect “to bring back to the level of conscious awareness.” There are circumstances in which any of these three words are interchangeable with any of the others, and other circumstances in which one or more of these words ...

Can you just lie under oath?

Lying Under Oath Is a Crime

People who testify in court are ordered to tell the truth. Disobeying this court order can result in serious penalties. Lying on the stand under oath is known as perjury, a serious offense that may require defense from a criminal attorney.

What words can you not say in court?

Words like "rape," "victim," "crime scene," "killer," "murder," "drunk," "homicide," "embezzle," "fraud," and "robbery" are now not allowed in some courtrooms. Language engineering like this usually has a social or political basis. In this case it's more a problem of trying to treat the accuser and the accused fairly.

How do you get a judge to believe you?

To persuade the judge to agree more with your view of the case than with the other side's view you need to set out the important facts and as you see them and support your position with other evidence if you can. If you are asked to write a statement give yourself time to prepare it well.

Can you say no when asked to tell the truth in court?

They want you to actually come and give evidence in the form of testimony. So if they refuse to swear to tell the truth, they're not in compliance with the subpoena.” If you're not in compliance with the subpoena, you can be held in contempt of court or, in the case of the Jan.

Can you say I dont know testifying?

Make sure your answers are based on what you actually saw and heard, and not on what you think probably happened - it's ok to say that you don't know. Do not give opinions unless one of the lawyers asks you to.

How do you say I don't remember politely?

Of course, you can always just say politely, "I'm sorry, I don't recall your name," but if you'd rather try to disguise your forgetfulness a bit, give these a try: 1. The “I know your name, but I'm blocked” dodge: “I keep wanting to call you "David," but I know that's not right.”

What does it mean when someone says I don't remember?

I don't remember means that I once knew, but now I do not. This is less committal, since it sounds as if I am not necessarily trying very hard to remember. I can't remember means that I once knew, but now I cannot think of it. This is more emphatic, since it sounds as if I am testing the limits of my memory.

What is difference between I don t know and I don t remember?

'I don't remember' indicates that in the past you did know (whatever is in question); however, at this moment you are unable to recall it. (I.e. You have forgotten.) 'I don't know' usually means that you don't know now, and you have never known. (So there was never anything to forget.)

How accurate is memory recall?

Memory errors were detectable (76% of participants made at least one), but accuracy was very high overall (93-95% of all verifiable details were accurate). Moreover, this level of accuracy did not decline in older participants nor in older memories, even though memory quantity and vividness did.

How do I force a memory recall?

What is the legal difference between recall and remember?

However, remember is used in situations where the information is already there and the word refers to the fact that the act or the information has not been forgotten. On the other hand, recall is a word that refers to the act of retrieval from the brain for information that is already there.

What are the three main types of recall?

There are three main types of recall: free recall, cued recall and serial recall. Psychologists test these forms of recall as a way to study the memory processes of humans and animals.

How much memory is false?

False Memories. False memories are events recalled by a witness that did not actually happen. There is research which suggests that up to 20% of those studied maintain a record of detailed personal memories that are completely false (Mazzoni, Scoboria, and Harvey, 2010).

How can false memories affect the trials?

Serious Consequences of False Memories

False memories have also led to false accusations and false convictions for various crimes, including sexual abuse. Some defendants who have been convicted of crimes based on false recollections have had their convictions overturned.

Why is memory important in law?

The fallibility of memory has far-reaching influence on how the legal system works. It is one of the important justifications for statutes of limitation, which limit the amount of time someone has to file a lawsuit. It shapes rules governing how evidence is gathered and used.