I've been in courts more times than most would like to have been.
A bare few for some minor rule infingements.
Several times as a witness.
Judges are very smart. They can develope some bias, after all they are human.
My best story happened 16, 17 years ago. I was driving an old car. The old MPH speedo. I finished a job and entered a main suburban road.
I checked my speedo. 40MPH.
Radar trap. You are driving in a 40 KPH zone. I tried to excuse myself that I'd been on this road many times. However its been some time since I was last here. I entered this time after the sign (40)
Police officer said you would have seen the sign when you went to the job. 3 hrs ago?
Okay. That was a fail. I admitted that my speedo indicated 40MPH which equates to 62KPH.
He booked me for 62.
I took it to court. I exp;ained to the judge. "Your Honour, I told the police officer that my speedo indicated 40MPH. (62) But there is a speedo error and my actual speed was 35 MPH. I can get proof of this.
The police officer charged me with 62 KPH which would not agree with the radar reading that was obtained."
The judge checked the papers. He asked, " Are you saying that the police officer has lied?"
"Yes" I replied.
He turned to the policeman and said words to the effect of him being inept and unprofessional.
I thought "Whoa! This judge does not like coppers"
Dismissed the charge.
That's briefly what happened. He asked what car I drove etc.
So Pete. Even though the defence may make you feel uncomfortable and try to undermine your evidence the judge is very good and experienced to see this.
I assume this is a 'judge only hearing?' Is it a jury decider?
If its a judge only you'll be made to feel comfortable by the judge.
He will not let the defence get out of hand.
Also the defence already knows what the verdict will be. The evidence is usually weighted heavily in the prosecution's favour. It'll be a formality.
While you are on the stand you will forget various things and they will come to mind afterwards. Don't be too concerned.
I gave evidence of an idiot who tried to burn down a telephone booth. I realised afterwards I neglected to mention important bits.
The idiot was given a custodial sentence. So it did not matter those bits I forgot.
Peter, listen to what the prosecution advises. Address the judge correctly, answer the questions and it will be all over. You will come out wondering why you were so worried. Its not a big deal.
Cheers
