![]() I don’t pretend that there is only one way to draft a witness statement. The conclusions and opinions that I come to below is sourced from a wide variety of disputes in civil proceedings. (We’ve been using 20 mm margins for years, and have never been criticised for it). More on this later under the heading, "Testing your Witness Statement".įormat wise, statements should be printed on a single side of A4 paper, and have a left margin of 35 mm. It should include all the evidence that you are able to give to assist the court decide the case. use numbered paragraphs so that different parts of it can be referred to quickly and easily. ![]() follow the chronological order of events.exhibit documentary evidence to support the statements made.not give opinions, unless you’re an expert.specify the source of the information or belief is not within your direct knowledge.state facts within your personal knowledge, and if not.be written in your own words, in the first person.If you are making a witness statements it should: Then we show how witness statements are tested and challenged.Ĭontents of witness statements Overview witness-statement-parts It's important to get right the first time (or as right as possible), because when they are signed, they're supported by a statement of truth. have the same general form in civil proceedings in England, whether they are used in disputes relating to contracts, work, car accidents, or disciplinary proceedings.may be made for the purposes of supporting an application for interim relief (such as an injunction) or relied on at the trial in court disputes.are the main way courts receive evidence.in civil disputes, satisfy the burden of proof, which is on the balance of probabilities.set out evidence to prove the facts alleged by a party in the particulars of claim, defence or other statement of case.Witness statements are formal court documents. We've also included a template witness statement below to get you started. We also give the low down on some of the processes that courts are likely to go through to assess and verify what you say in your witness statement. Structure your witness statements properly and cover what needs to be covered.īelow, we give some suggestions on how to prepare witness statements. Getting it right the first time has other advantages.Īvoiding mistakes gets you into a position to focus on advancing your own case. They force you to take steps to defend what you say in court. Slip ups in witness statements make your life harder. Doing so shows that you are serious about helping the defendant and that you mean what you say.When you have to make a witness statement for court, you can avoid slip-ups. Include a telephone number in your conclusion so that the judge may reach you with any questions. Explain how the defendant has learned from their mistake, what steps they have taken to change, and that you believe they will not make the same mistake again. Explain how the defendant’s incarceration will affect his or her family and employer. Does the defendant refuse to go out drinking with his or her friends or coworkers to spend more time with his or her family?Ĭonclude by saying how the defendant’s incarceration will negatively affect their present, their future, their job, and their life.Has the defendant given up work or education to take care of a sick relative?.If the defendant is a good provider for the family or is devoted to his or her family, bring that up and provide examples. If the defendant has done volunteer work in the community, provide names of the organizations and the types of activities he or she participated in. Provide specific examples of good deeds the defendant has done. Doing so establishes your relationship with the defendant. Next, discuss how you met the defendant and how long you have known him or her. ![]() When you know the charges against the defendant it sends the judge a message that you do know what the defendant has done but that you are still willing to write positively about the defendant. Let the judge know that you are aware of the charges against the defendant. Tell the judge who you are writing the letter for. Introduce yourself by name and profession. Here is the best way to write a good character witness statement.īest Way to Write a Professional Letter to a Judge Writing A Good Character Witness Statement Being dishonest damages your reputation and does not help the defendant. ![]() Make sure you have the judge’s name and title correct. Since the letter is going to be reviewed by a judge, the format and tone of the statement must be professional.
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