ABSTRACT
Nurses who become involved in any medicolegal situation, whether it is civil or criminal, may have to testify in court at some point in their career. Testifying at a trial is similar to performing in front of a live audience. e backdrop of tension, expectation, and uncertainty is enhanced by an air of formality and possibly hostility. Add to this scenario the presence of various media representatives, numerous witnesses, family members, and other interested individuals from the opposing side, and you have a recipe for major stress. In an attempt to discredit the opposing side, it is not uncommon for an attorney to cast doubt on the credibility and professionalism of its witnesses. e O. J. Simpson trial in the 1990s was a good example of where the defense team was able to shi¦ the focus of the trial away from Mr. Simpson and onto prosecution witnesses, police o¬cers, detectives, crime lab personnel, and the prosecution itself.
