Examination-in-Chief Techniques: Signposting and Piggybacking
The passage you provided discusses two key techniques used during examination-in-chief, which is when a lawyer questions their own witness in court. These techniques help elicit clear and focused testimony from the witness.
Signposting:
This technique involves giving the witness a heads-up about what's coming next. The lawyer might say something like, "Now, I'd like to ask you some questions about your work experience." This helps the witness mentally prepare and recall specific details related to the upcoming topic. Signposting is considered a best practice because it allows the witness to deliver a clear and organized narrative.
Piggybacking:
This technique builds upon the witness's previous answer to form the next question. For instance, the lawyer might ask, "You mentioned you saw a blue car at the scene. Can you describe it in more detail?" Piggybacking helps maintain a smooth flow of conversation and keeps the witness focused on specific details relevant to the case.
Benefits of these techniques:
Clarity:
Both signposting and piggybacking promote clear and concise testimony by guiding the witness and keeping the focus on relevant information.
Accuracy:
By prompting the witness's memory and building on their answers, these techniques can help improve the accuracy of their recollection.
Confidence:
Feeling prepared and following a clear structure can boost the witness's confidence while testifying.
Source:
The passage references a legal case: "MUHAMMAD RAMZAN Versus The STATE (2023 P Cr. L J 1156)". This suggests these techniques are recognized within legal frameworks.
Additional Notes:
It's important for lawyers to avoid leading questions during examination-in-chief. Leading questions suggest the desired answer, which can be seen as manipulating the witness's testimony.
While signposting and piggybacking are valuable tools, a skilled lawyer will adapt their approach based on the specific witness and the situation.
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