What to say when you don't want to answer a question in court?

Good ways to say anything but "No Comment" to questions you really don't want to answer:
  1. "I'm sorry but I'm not able to speak to that subject"
  2. "Thanks for asking but I'm not able to answer that question"
  3. "I'm sorry but that information is proprietary"
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How do you politely decline to answer a personal question?

You can also refuse to answer the question, but be sure to be polite. “Say, 'I appreciate that this is of interest but we don't feel sharing the information is appropriate, especially at this time. But I'd be glad to answer other questions if you have them,'” says Sullivan. “Appreciate the interest but draw lines.”
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What to say and what not to say in court?

Things You Should Not Say in Court
  • Do Not Memorize What You Will Say. ...
  • Do Not Talk About the Case. ...
  • Do Not Become Angry. ...
  • Do Not Exaggerate. ...
  • Avoid Statements That Cannot Be Amended. ...
  • Do Not Volunteer Information. ...
  • Do Not Talk About Your Testimony.
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How do you say I don't know in court?

Instead the better practice is to say “I'm not sure” or “I don't know.”
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How do you never answer a question?

17 Amazing Tricks for Dodging Unwanted Questions
  1. Enlist the help of a friend. ...
  2. Prepare a canned answer in advance. ...
  3. Use a "bridge" response to change the subject. ...
  4. Restate—and reframe—the question. ...
  5. Excuse yourself from an uncomfortable conversation. ...
  6. Be straightforward about your discomfort. ...
  7. Deflect with a joke.
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“WHAT TO SAY when you cannot ANSWER an INTERVIEW QUESTION!”



What is it called when someone avoids answering a question?

Question dodging is a rhetorical technique involving the intentional avoidance of answering a question.
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What is it called when someone won't answer a question?

rhetorical question Add to list Share. When you ask a rhetorical question, you don't really expect an answer.
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What happens if you don't answer a question in court?

You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question. It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer before agreeing to answer questions. In general, only a judge can order you to answer questions.
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Do you have to testify in court if you don't want to?

If a witness in a criminal case refuses to testify, he or she could be found in contempt of court. Being in contempt could result in jail time and/or a fine.
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How do you answer a judge question?

Answer the question asked, not the question you wish the judge asked. If it calls for a yes or no answer, say yes or no, followed by an explanation that supports your theme for the case. Answer the questions; do not evade a question, say “I'll get to that later,” or defer answering in any other way.
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How can I stop worrying about court?

Here are five ways you can shine with a calm presence in court.
  1. Stick to the Facts. ...
  2. Let Your Attorney do the Heavy Lifting. ...
  3. Get Your Emotions in Check. ...
  4. Make Sure You are Playing Reasonably. ...
  5. Take Court Seriously.
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How can I defend myself in court without a lawyer?

If you are representing yourself in court, the following steps will help you prepare.
  1. 1) Know where your courtroom is located. Once you receive your court date, take a trip and find your courtroom. ...
  2. 2) Present yourself as a business person at your hearing. ...
  3. 3) Prepare the evidence you will use in your case.
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How do you impress a judge in court?

Be clean.
  1. Be clean. It is important to wear neat and clean clothes when you are going to court. ...
  2. Stand when the judge enters the room. ...
  3. Address the judge as 'Your Honor. ...
  4. Be audible. ...
  5. Use proper language and speak in complete sentences. ...
  6. Prepare before every hearing. ...
  7. Be polite and respectful. ...
  8. Be punctual.
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What do I do if I don't want to be a witness?

You should call the prosecutor or defense lawyer who issued the subpoena and discuss alternatives to showing up in court and testifying. Explain your situation to them and be honest about why you can't physically appear in court. Examples of reasons a person may fail to appear in court include: Self-incrimination.
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Can I refuse to go to court?

Generally speaking you should not have any serious consequences if you don't actually attend the court. However, it may be the case that if you don't attend and you have not informed the police or the PPS (Public Prosecution Service) that you won't be attending, a witness summons may be issued.
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Can you decline to be a witness in court?

Witnesses have to testify (tell the court what they know) by answering questions from either side or the judge. If a witness refuses to answer a question, the judge can find them in contempt of court and jail them.
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Can lawyers force you to answer yes or no?

Short answer: If you ask the question carefully, you can absolutely compel a witness to give a yes or no answer, although usually only on cross-examination.
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Is avoiding a question lying?

Liars and truth-tellers both have pauses in their speech, but good liars avoid answering questions, scientists say. DESPITE WHAT YOU MIGHT think, it is almost impossible to tell a liar from the way they talk, according a new study.
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How do you respond to a Textbrush?

You could say:
  1. "I know you've got a lot going on, and I'm busy too, so why don't you give me a call when you have time to do something."
  2. "I can tell you've got a lot on your plate, which is totally fine, but I was hoping to actually hang out. Let me know when you've got some time to meet."
  3. "I hope we get to hang soon!
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What do you say when someone dodges a question?

Common Dodging Tip-Off Phrases:
  1. “I have a different concern.”
  2. “This reminds me of….”
  3. “My concern is….”
  4. “This raises another question.”
  5. “The real problem is….”
  6. “Your problem is….”
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What do you call someone who doesn't like to be questioned?

Another good word would be reticent: inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech.
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What's the word for avoiding something?

Some common synonyms of avoid are elude, escape, eschew, evade, and shun. While all these words mean "to get away or keep away from something," avoid stresses forethought and caution in keeping clear of danger or difficulty.
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What color is best for court?

Darker, more serious colors are preferable, and bright colors should be avoided. The best colors to wear to court are “conservative” colors (white, blue, navy, gray, and the like) and to steer clear of crazy patterns and shocking fashion statements.
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How do you tell a judge you're sorry?

Your apology letter to court format should include an apology, a brief description of your action, and what you plan to do to fix any problem caused. However, you do not want to sound insincere and apologize too much. You should always include sincere and heartfelt language, but do not go too over the top.
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How do you sway a judge in your 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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