1. STATEMENT WRITING ELEANOR FREEMAN THEATRE SISTER RGN, BSc(HONS), LLM MEDICAL LAW EFree51330@aol.com

2. OBJECTIVES To understand the legal implications when statement writing. To understand the legal implications when statement writing. To distinguish between facts and opinions. To distinguish between facts and opinions. To determine how much information to include in statements. To determine how much information to include in statements. To be able to write statements with clarity and confidence. To be able to write statements with clarity and confidence.

3. Statements are legal documents. Statements are legal documents. Oaths. Oaths. Evidence of events. Evidence of events. Set out in chronological order. Set out in chronological order. Dates, times (when necessary). Dates, times (when necessary).

4. Waffle not required. Waffle not required. Post-mortem after incident. Post-mortem after incident. Read, read, read. Read, read, read. Do not accuse others unless you can justify with hard evidence. Do not accuse others unless you can justify with hard evidence.

5. Any questions? Any questions? Thank you for listening Thank you for listening

6. GIVING EVIDENCE OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVES To understand and adhere to Court etiquette. To understand and adhere to Court etiquette. To deliver evidence relevant to hearing. To deliver evidence relevant to hearing. To deliver evidence with confidence and accuracy. To deliver evidence with confidence and accuracy.

7. Rules of Court Be punctual. Be punctual. Dress appropriately. Dress appropriately. Mobiles !!!!!!!!! Mobiles !!!!!!!!! Speak when spoken to and obey court ushers commands. Speak when spoken to and obey court ushers commands.

8. Briefs Meet with Legal team prior to hearing. Meet with Legal team prior to hearing. Revisit statement. Revisit statement. Listen to advice of Counsel. Listen to advice of Counsel. If unable to understand question – ask for it to be repeated/rephrased. If unable to understand question – ask for it to be repeated/rephrased. Don’t make up answers because you think you need to fill in gaps. Don’t make up answers because you think you need to fill in gaps.

9. Briefs cont.. Keep copy of your statement with you – refer to it if necessary. Keep copy of your statement with you – refer to it if necessary. Listen to question carefully before answering. Listen to question carefully before answering. Deep breath and then answer. Deep breath and then answer.

10. Types of Witness FACT – those having direct knowledge to the issues in this case. FACT – those having direct knowledge to the issues in this case. EXPERT – those with skill, knowledge, experience or training – (to give opinions) EXPERT – those with skill, knowledge, experience or training – (to give opinions) Must have qualification which is established – degree, work experience in specialist field. Must have qualification which is established – degree, work experience in specialist field.

11. ANY QUESTIONS? ANY QUESTIONS? THANK YOU FOR LISTENING THANK YOU FOR LISTENING