Witness for the Prosecution
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IMDB rating: 8.10 Plot: Esteemed criminal lawyer Sir Wilfrid Robarts has just returned to practice after suffering a heart attack and is supposed to be on a diet of bland civil suits. But the case of Leonard Vole, a charmer accused of murdering a rich middle-aged widow, proves irresistible — particlularly when Sir Wilfrid meets the accused’s wife, the remarkable Christine Vole. Christine will appear as a witness: not the defense, but for the prosecution. |
Actors: Power Tyrone,Laughton Charles,Williams John,Daniell Henry,Wolfe Ian,Thatcher Torin,Compton Francis,Tonge Philip,Farnum Franklyn,Kenny Colin,Drama,Thriller,Mystery,
What are my rights as a witness for the prosecution?
I have been subpoenaed by the court. They want me to come testify against my friend, I already gave them a statement, what can I do? Can I tell them I don’t want to go on the stand? I have no clue what my rights are here. Lawyers say they cant give me legal advice… BS!
Please help me!?
You have no choice I’m afraid. a subpoena is an order from the Court to appear and answer any questions that are put to you. If you are asked a question you don’t want to answer you can just get vague and muddled up - lots of witnesses do that! You can’t refuse to take the stand however, otherwise you are in contempt of court and could be fined and/or jailed!
Mu1 | Jan 20, 2010
Not much. You can’t be forced to testify against yourself, but that’s about it. Sorry.
Alli K. | Jan 20, 2010
Sorry, but you don’t have any ‘rights’ as a witness. If you have been given a subpoena, you have to go to court. If you are put on the stand, you have to answer questions. The only thing you don’t have to do is implicate yourself, or give testimony that puts you in a bad light.
Lawyers say they can’t give you legal advice? That’s what lawyers DO!!!!
It’s tough to testify against a friend, but one thing you can do is resist ‘fishing expeditions’. Answer a direct question - give a direct answer, but don’t elaborate on it. If they ask you if you saw your friend driving a car, say ‘yes’ if you did, but you don’t have to volunteer that your friend had just consumed a mickey before getting in the car, or that your friend didn’t have a license, or that your friend was speeding.
If they ask you a question that you feel you are not qualified to answer (how fast was your friend driving?) just say ‘I don’t know" - that’s a perfectly acceptable response.
old lady | Jan 20, 2010
You have no rights. You have been subpoeaned. If you are called to testify you will have to do so truthfully or risk perjury charges. You do not have to volunteer information only answer the questions you are ask. If you fail to appear per the subpoeana you can be arrested and compelled to testify. If you took part in the criminal act and could be charged you may have a 5th amendment right to refuse to answer some questions but not neccessarily all of the questions. You may want to consult your friends lawyer prior to testifying. They have as much right to speak with you as the prosecution does and would probably be interested in doing so. However, they represent your friend, and while they may be able to answer some of your questions, they cannot give you legal advice.
sharkinthewater | Jan 20, 2010
You must either show up and testify or hire a lawyer to attempt to quash the subpoena.
evilattorney | Jan 20, 2010