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Witnesses might be victims or defendants who are voluntarily testifying on their own behalf.
Witnesses may be presented by both the prosecution and the defense. Or a witness might be
someone testifying as an impartial eyewitness to a crime, or someone with information about it. In
any event, the most important thing is to be honest. When you are on the witness stand, the law
requires you to tell the truth. Answer the questions as completely as possible, but stick to the
point. Do not add details that are not necessary to answer the question. If you do not understand
the question, politely ask the lawyer to rephrase it. Do not answer any questions if you are unsure
of the answer. If you do not know the answer, your answer should be, "I don't know." If you
hear a lawyer say "objection" after a question is asked, do not answer the question. Wait until the
judge rules on the objection. The judge will then tell you whether you may answer the question.
Testifying can be tiring and frustrating. Try to remain relaxed and keep a pleasant
attitude. The worst thing you can do is to appear angry, lose your temper, or argue with the
lawyer who is asking the questions. If the judge or jury disapproves of your behavior or attitude,
they might not believe your testimony.