Credits: Thank You
Guide Contents
Trial Superior Court
Section 2 ~ Page 2
Trial Superior Court - Section 2
Your Testimony:

If you are going to be a witness in the case, you will receive a written summons commanding you to be in court on a specific day at a specific time. A summons is a court order and must be obeyed. If for any reason you have serious concerns about your ability to answer the summons, it is emperative that you contact your advocate immediately.
Before being called as a witness, you will have an opportunity to review your testimony with the prosecuting attorney and/or your advocate. If you are scheduled to testify, you will not be allowed in the courtroom until it is time for your testimony to be presented. You should expect to wait awhile when you arrive at court before testifying, as many other witnesses will have also received a similar summons. After you have testified, you may or may not be allowed to remain in the courtroom (your advocate will advise you on this issue).
It is not unusual for witnesses to be apprehensive as they prepare to present their testimony in court. Please be assured, however, that you will not be going through this ordeal alone. Many people who are sensitive to your situation will be available to guide you through the process. While it is normal to be frightened or anxious about testifying, if you are especially troubled or fearful for any reason, you are strongly encouraged to discuss your feelings with the prosecutor and your advocate. They can then attempt to address your specific concerns and work toward alleviating some of your fears.
After the trial begins, you will be called to the witness stand. A clerk will ask you to raise your right hand and take an oath swearing to the truthfulness of your testimony. The prosecutor will ask you questions in order to present the Commonwealth's case. Be sure to speak loudly and clearly so that the judge and the jury can hear and understand your testimony. The defense attorney will then question or cross examine you. Take your time and be sure that you understand each question before you respond. Do not allow yourself to be pressured into answering a question. If you do not understand a question as it is presented, ask to have it repeated or worded in a different way. Answer only the question which is asked, and avoid volunteering any additional information. If you do not know the answer to a question, it is imperative that you not be afraid to respond that you do not know, that you are not sure, or that you cannot remember.
Testimony Of Other Witnesses:

In addition to family members and friends of the victim, other witnesses who can provide corroboration and documentation in support of the charges and evidence against the defendant may be called to testify. If he chooses, the defendant himself may elect to testify in his own defense. Others called to present testimony may include any of the following: witnesses to the crime; state and local police; medical examiner; toxicologist; chemist; ballistics expert; fingerprinting expert; dentist; psychiatrist; other mental health experts; forensic specialist.