ABSTRACT
The aim of the examination-in-chief is to make your witnesses relay their story as favourably as possible and to insulate them from crossexamination. When your witness is called, he or she will be required to take the oath or affirm. First, ask the witness for his or her name and address. (Note that names and addresses of witnesses are not usually given in criminal cases.) If it is a witness of fact, the personal address should usually be given but expert witnesses, housing officers and the like should give their professional address. Next, refer the witness to his or her statements. Ask him or her to look it over and identify the signature at the end. Then ask whether he or she can confirm that the contents of the statement are true to the best of his or her knowledge and belief.
