If you’re due to give evidence in a county court, the chances are that you’ll be asked to submit a witness statement beforehand. This is a written summary of what you will say in court and is used by the judge, lawyers and other parties to familiarise themselves with your evidence before they question you in person.
Witness statements are often several pages long and should set out the evidence you wish to give in a clear, concise and logical manner. Ideally they should be typed but handwriting is acceptable if it is clear and easy to read. It is important that you stick to the facts and avoid speculation or hearsay.
If you’re not sure how to go about writing a witness statement, don’t worry. The court will be able to provide you with a template that you can use. You can also find several examples of county court witness statement templates online.
What should I include in my witness statement?
As a starting point, refer to any notes that you made at the time of the incident or events that you will be giving evidence about. The statement must include the following information:
- Your name, address, and contact details.
- The name of the case.
- The date and time of the incident or events.
- A summary of the events you witnessed and the evidence you wish to give.
- A signature.
Your statement should also include any photographs, documents or other exhibits that you wish to rely upon. These should be clearly marked and referenced in your statement.
How long should my witness statement be?
There is no set length for a witness statement, but it should be long enough to provide a full and accurate account of your evidence. Generally speaking, a witness statement should be no longer than 10 pages.
It’s important to make sure that your statement is clear and concise. If it is too long or rambling, it may be difficult for the judge and lawyers to follow. It is also important to be consistent. If you change your story or give conflicting evidence at different times, it may damage your credibility as a witness.
Do I need to get my witness statement witnessed?
In most cases, you do not need to get your witness statement witnessed. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are giving evidence in a criminal case, your statement may need to be witnessed by a solicitor or other qualified person.
If you are not sure whether or not your statement needs to be witnessed, you should check with the court.
Conclusion
Writing a witness statement can be a daunting task, but it is important to do it properly. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your statement is clear, concise, and accurate. This will help the judge and lawyers to understand your evidence and make a fair decision.
By submitting a witness statement, you are playing an important role in the justice system. Your evidence can help to ensure that the truth is heard and that justice is done.
