Can you say I don't know in court?

“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. If true, the best is, “I don't recall at the present time,” because it makes it easier to change your answer if you later do recall.
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Can you say I don't know in court?

Lawyers may also tell witnesses that if they don't remember certain events, they can simply say “I don't recall.” In general, such instructions are not improper. A witness cannot, however, repeatedly answer “I don't recall” to avoid truthfully answering questions.
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Can you say I decline to answer in court?

Even if you have already answered some questions, you can refuse to answer other questions until you have a lawyer.
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What to say and what not to say in court?

Remain clear and succinct in your answers. The judge and the jury are interested in what you have observed or personally know about. It is important to not give your conclusions and opinions, and to not state what someone else told you, unless you are specifically asked.
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What judges should not say in court?

Do Not Exaggerate, Mislead, or State Anything Untrue. It goes without saying that you should never lie to a judge (that is perjury), but you should also avoid exaggerating the facts or misleading the court about any issue. Most judges can sense when a witness is stretching the truth, and they do not appreciate it.
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The DANGEROUS Power of Saying "I DON'T KNOW" During Your Deposition



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.
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Can judges be angry?

Too often, however, judges exhibit anger and unprofessional behavior, Rewire News reports. And the targets of their wrath often are the most vulnerable people, including the poor and survivors of sexual or domestic violence, the article concludes.
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How do you speak confidently in court?

Do's
  1. DO speak calmly and clearly.
  2. DO use the proper forms of address.
  3. DO be polite.
  4. DO stand when you address the court.
  5. DO make eye contact with the judge when you are speaking.
  6. DO ask for clarification if you are unclear about something.
  7. DO thank the judge for listening.
  8. DO arrive early to court.
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What to say to a judge if you dont know the answer?

If you don't know the answer, say “I don't know,” and offer, with the court's permission, to provide the answer after oral argument, with a copy to opposing counsel.
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How do you win a judge's favor?

How to Persuade a Judge
  1. Your arguments must make logical sense. ...
  2. Know your audience.
  3. Know your case.
  4. Know your adversary's case.
  5. Never overstate your case. ...
  6. If possible lead with the strongest argument.
  7. Select the most easily defensible position that favors your case.
  8. Don't' try to defend the indefensible.
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What happens if we dont reply to court notice?

The consequences of not replying to notice is not an offence under the law, however, one must bring on record the relevant facts/ averments in his defence. In case no response is sent, and a legal action is initiated by the sender, the Court may take adverse inference against the defaulting party.
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What is the best way to answer a question in court?

Listen carefully to the questions you are asked. If you don't understand the question, have it repeated, then give a thoughtful, considered answer. DO NOT GIVE AN ANSWER WITHOUT THINKING. While answers should not be rushed, neither should there be any unnaturally long delay to a simple question if you know the answer.
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How do you answer in court?

RECAP
  1. REFRESH YOUR MEMORY.
  2. SPEAK IN YOUR OWN WORDS & SPEAK CLEARLY.
  3. APPEARANCE IS IMPORTANT.
  4. DO NOT DISCUSS THE CASE.
  5. BE A RESPONSIBLE WITNESS.
  6. BEING SWORN IN AS A WITNESS-STAND TALL & RAISE YOUR HAND.
  7. TELL THE TRUTH & DO NOT EXAGGERATE.
  8. LISTEN CAREFULLY TO AVOID CONFUSION.
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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.
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Should I remain silent in court?

You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. (5th Amendment) If you start answering questions, you may stop at any time.
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How do you announce yourself in court?

Announce your appearance in a clear and respectfully loud voice, and in accordance with the court protocol. For example: A barrister might say: “May it please the court, my name is [surname] initials [say your initials], of counsel, I appear for the [party] instructed by [instructing solicitor] solicitors.”
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Can you apologize to a judge?

An apology letter is a good way of showing the Judge that you are honestly and truly sorry for your offending behaviour, and that you understand the seriousness of what you did.
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How can I be respectful to judge?

Consider these general tips when appearing in court:
  1. Make sure to be early.
  2. Stand anytime you are speaking to the judge.
  3. Never cut anyone off or interrupt them.
  4. Hold the door for the prosecutor or others.
  5. Never chew gum, eat, or drink in the courtroom.
  6. Only speak when it is absolutely necessary.
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How do I speak to a judge without a lawyer?

You or your Advocate can inform the Judge that you want to talk personally to the Judge. Most probably the Judge will pass over your case and call you into his/her Chamber and listen to you. If you are in Chennai you can contact me for further advice and assistance.
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How do you say hello to a judge?

In person: In an interview, social event, or in court, address a judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge [last name].” If you are more familiar with the judge, you may call her just “Judge.” In any context, avoid “Sir” or “Ma'am.”
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What do judges want to hear?

At the end of the day, a judge wants to hear three things: accountability, responsibility, and remorse. They also want to hear your reasoning. Why did you commit the crime in the first place? In addition to this, they want to hear what's different now.
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What's the best color to wear to court?

The best color to wear to court is probably navy blue or dark gray. These colors suggest seriousness. At the same time, they do not come with the negative connotations that are often associated with the color black (for instance, some people associate black with evil, coldness, and darkness).
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What is a weakness of judge?

Weaknesses of civil law judges are seen by judges to be too obedient or follow what is contained in the Law, so that sometimes the judges 'decisions are not in accordance with justice in the community, but the judges' decisions are more representative of the justice of the Law.
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Can you call a judge sir or ma am?

How do I address the judge? Judges can be called "judge" or "your honor." Refrain from calling a judge "sir," "ma'am," "mister" or "miss." Communication with the judge should be carried out with a proper amount of respect.
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Do judges smile?

A judge can smile in court.

This does not mean they laugh while giving a death sentence to a person. Instead, laughter is a tonic that can relieve the tension of harsh realities and long legal disputations.
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