The judge decides whether or not you have to answer the lawyers’ questions. If you refuse to answer a question that the judge allows, you can be found in contempt of court and sent to jail for a short time. Most criminal proceedings are open to the public, and your testimony is recorded on the court transcript.
What happens if you don’t answer a question in court?
You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question. It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer before agreeing to answer questions. In general, only a judge can order you to answer questions.
Can you say I don’t answer questions to a cop in Canada?
In Canada, you have the right to remain silent. This right is constitutionally protected and enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In most cases, you have no obligation to provide any information to the police.
Are you forced to answer court questions?
If you are a sworn witness, you cannot decline to answer a question unless you have a valid objection, such as: Answering may incriminate you. Answering may reveal private information, such as your home address, that could endanger you. You may not understand the question or be otherwise unable to respond.
What happens if a witness refuses to answer a question?
If a witness in a criminal case refuses to testify, he or she could be found in contempt of court. Being in contempt could result in jail time and/or a fine. A victim in a domestic violence or sexual assault case, however, cannot be jailed for refusing to testify.
What to say if you don’t want to answer a question court?
Good ways to say anything but “No Comment” to questions you really don’t want to answer: “I’m sorry but I’m not able to speak to that subject” “Thanks for asking but I’m not able to answer that question” “I’m sorry but that information is proprietary”
What to say to a judge if you don’t know the answer?
If you don’t know the answer, say “I don’t know,” and offer, with the court’s permission, to provide the answer after oral argument, with a copy to opposing counsel.
Do you have to ID yourself in Canada?
What if the police ask who I am? If stopped by the police, they will likely ask for your name and ad- dress. They may also ask you for identification. In most cases, you are not required to provide this in- formation.
Can I swear at police Canada?
It is not illegal to swear at police. However, it is always better to try and remain as peaceful as possible during interactions with police. Tensions can quickly escalate and if your behaviour becomes extreme, an officer can use their discretion.
Can police force you to come in for questioning Canada?
Generally, you do not have a duty to go to the police station to submit to questioning. This can apply even if the police are pressuring you to come in for questioning. Again, there are exceptions that I would need to speak to you about personally in order to provide legal advice.
Can you say I don’t know in court?
Lawyers may also tell witnesses that if they don’t remember certain events, they can simply say “I don’t recall.” In general, such instructions are not improper. A witness cannot, however, repeatedly answer “I don’t recall” to avoid truthfully answering questions.
Can you answer I don’t know in court?
Instead the better practice is to say “I’m not sure” or “I don’t know.” If you are unsure about an answer you cannot then answer the question.
Can you only say yes or no in court?
Short answer: If you ask the question carefully, you can absolutely compel a witness to give a yes or no answer, although usually only on cross-examination.
Can witnesses decline to answer questions?
The testimony would incriminate yourself – Under the Fifth Amendment in the Constitution, you have the right to avoid giving any evidence that could self-incriminate you. In most cases, you can plead the Fifth Amendment, which legally allows you to refuse answering questions.
Is a witness required to answer all questions?
SEC.
— A witness must answer questions, although his answer may tend to establish a claim against him.
Can a witness refuse to attend court?
A witness summons says you have to go to court. If you still fail to go to court without a good reason, you could be ‘in contempt of court’ and you may be arrested.
Can lawyers force you to answer yes or no?
If an attorney demands a “yes” or “no” answer and you can not give one, let the judge know that, and explain that to do so would be misleading to the court or inaccurate. If your answer was not correctly stated, correct it immediately. If your answer was not clear, clarify it immediately.
What is a good reason not to go to court?
An emergency room visit for a sudden, debilitating medical condition. A sick child. A motor vehicle accident. A kidnapping.
How do you impress a judge?
How To Impress The Judge When Speaking in Colorado Springs Courts
- Judging More Than Your Guilt Or Innocence.
- Dress For Success.
- Be Respectful of The Judge At All Times When Speaking – And When Listening.
- Keep Calm and Carry On.
- The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But The Truth.
How do you say hello to a judge?
In person: In an interview, social event, or in court, address a judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge [last name].” If you are more familiar with the judge, you may call her just “Judge.” In any context, avoid “Sir” or “Ma’am.”
Can a judge disrespect you?
Judicial conduct oversight should not attempt to regulate purely personal aspects of a judge’s life. However, a judge can commit misconduct by engaging in personal behaviour that calls their judicial integrity into question.