I have to go to court most probably very soon and I really dont want to go not only cos of the nerves but any "professional" atmosphere I go in I have a laughing fit and I Really dont want to humiliate myself in front of freaky weirdos with george washington wigs and the random "audience" that watches etc, If sent to court (as a victim?/witness?) do you "have" to go or is there any other method? anyone who read my "sucks to be covered in blood" will understand this thread so anyone whos been to a court any advice would be appreciated etc

If you are one of the key witnesses, there isn't a lot that can be done.

Best thing to do is talk to the lawyer who summoned you and let him know about your condition. They will then be able to work with you and coach you. They might be able to help you get around the problem. Don't not tell them and then burst out laughing when you appear on the witness stand.

I've been before, don't worry about it.

You've done nothing wrong and hopefully the f*ck who is guilty will be found guilty.

It probably won't be like anything on TV. When I went it was a room with 3 people behind a desk and another 4 or 5 in total in the room.

If you have been asked questions by the police before then you will probably expect similar questions.

I was only in the room for about 5 minutes and then was waiting inside a small erm... waiting room

I was under the impression that sherrifs and the like in Scotland didn't wear wigs.

I went once. For a motoring offence. I put my best suit on, listened to my solicitor and just kept quiet unless I was spoken to directly. It was a little intimidating for me too, but it went ok and I got the mininum possible sentence. That was nearly 5yrs ago and it's still my one and only time.

There's a good chance the chap will change his plea on the day to guilty. This will probably result in you not having to give evidence but you'll have to go along anyway because up to that point he's hoping all the charges against him will be dropped. You will be kept in a separate room away from the actual courtroom to which only your solicitor and court officials will have access and relax about the Sheriff - he's as normal as you are

You do need to tell your solicitor about your potential behaviour though or you'll end up with a small fine yourself if you can't hold it together. Tell him now so that he can contact the fiscals office as they won't want their main witness to throw a wobbly and don't worry about the audience either - 90% of the time it's just the press and the odd peep in for a heat.

I take it that the defendant has pleaded not guilty but he will have the choice of having the Sheriff deal with the case or a jury (if the charges are bad enough)? If he elects the Sheriff to deal with the case, then there's something like a 70+% chance of a change of plea on the day Doesn't avoid all the worry though.

You know where I am if you need me.

Al

Wait until you get called for Jury Duty.

Just don't laugh, or you might get held for Contempt - or dismissed.

I did jury duty at the Old Bailey. The case involved children and was horrible, 'nuff said.

Do you get help for all that kind of stuff? I expect that there is a lot of grim stuff to go through, and it must impact emotionally on jurors.

This was in the 90s and the only help we were offered was financial. Might have changed now.

Any news, Bratty?

absaloutly no news which can only be a good thing



you work right next door to the court IIRC? I woudn't want to disturb you incase you were busy etc lol

f**k man came to door and gave me letter that says I must go to court 22nd march for possibly giving evidence if he dont plead guilty that attacker, Im quite literally shaking with nerves now, list of factors why I dont want to even step inside the building:

1. ill burst out laughing with nerves

2. anything I say will become mumbled and jumbled up due to nerves

3. It will be more awkward because one of the witnesses I utterly hate as shes false etc so it will make me even more shy

4. big crowd of weirdos with funny wigs

5. serious atmosphere which my brain cant handle (ususally end up laughing)

6. will prob be full of masons giving off "funny" vibes that will make me unsettled


I am proper doomed

With my old job I was exempt from jury duty, not any more though.

I've done jury duty twice now. The second time I had to give our verdict to the judge. I was seriously bricking it.