Court appearance

Question 1

What is your duty?

Answer 1

The GP is often called to be a witness in court,

• mainly as an expert.

Your duty is to assist the court and be impartial and factual.

Question 2

It can be a difficult experience and the following guidelines can help:

Answer 2

Dress smartly e.g.

• suit and tie for men
• skirt and jacket for women

Simply give oral evidence based on fact.

Keep answers to questions ‘to the point’, brief and simple

• don’t ‘pad’, give uncalled for opinions or ‘wax lyrical’.

Most answers can be given simply as ‘yes’ or ‘no’, etc.

Always keep to facts—you are under oath to be truthful.

Look at the judge or magistrate when giving evidence

• esp. when responding to an uncomfortable question
• Address them as ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am’.

Be well prepared and anticipate possible directions of proceedings.

If uncertain about a question, ask for clarification.

Bring along relevant documents

• ensure any pt histories are well prepared and complete

If you do not know the answer, say so.

Avoid showing bias in your approach.

Be humble and conservative but also authoritative and ‘in control’.