4/29/2024 0 Comments Witness statement form![]() ![]() Spelling should always be carefully checked. Once you have finished writing the witness statement, you should read the completed document carefully to make sure it conveys your evidence accurately. Above all, try to be as precise as possible. However the tone should be appropriately formal, having regard to the serious nature of the document. In the witness statement, you should use the language you would ordinarily use when writing. For example, you could begin by saying “I make this witness statement in relation to the events of 1 January 2014.” If your witness statement is made only to deal with a discrete issue as part of a larger matter about which you would be able to give more evidence then you should start by explaining that. Most often this means they are dealt with chronologically. The matter or matters with which it deals should be dealt with in a logical order. ![]() Usually two to three sentences is appropriate. Your witness statement should be divided into short, numbered paragraphs of easily readable length. For these reasons it is very important to make sure that the content of your witness statement is true and correct! How should I complete this template witness statement? There may be other sanctions for making a false witness statement, depending on the jurisdiction (for example, where a witness produces a false witness statement to a commission of inquiry this can be a criminal offence). Convictions may result in a lengthy period of imprisonment. A false witness statement which causes people to waste time or money may also be a basis for a civil claim to be made against the witness.įurthermore, if a false witness statement is adopted in court by the witness after they have sworn an oath or made an affirmation to tell the truth, this may constitute perjury. If a false witness statement causes the police to be diverted from the investigation of a criminal offence, this may constitute hindering an investigation which is itself a criminal offence in some jurisdictions. ![]() A person who knowingly makes a false witness statement may breach these provisions, particularly if the statement is intended to influence government officials or falsely confer financial advantage on the person making it. However serious criminal penalties exist in many jurisdictions in relation to making a false document. Making a false witness statement may not technically constitute “false swearing” (because, unlike with an affidavit, there is no oath or affirmation administered) or a breach of any Act relating to statutory declarations (because a witness statement is not a statutory declaration). Are there penalties for making a false witness statement? ![]() Sometimes a person making a witness statement will have another person witness their signature to the statement but this is not ordinarily necessary. For statutory declarations, the formal process will depend on the legal jurisdiction but a witness is usually required to formalise the statement.Ī witness statement does require anyone other than the person making the statement to sign it (ie there does not need to be a solicitor or justice of the peace or similar to “witness” the signature of the person making the statement). For affidavits, the formal process is the taking of an oath (an appeal to a god or gods to tell the truth) or an affirmation (a solemn, non-religious promise). The difference is that affidavits and statutory declarations are signed in front of another person who is authorised by law to formalise the statement (confusingly, this person is called a witness!). Witness statements, affidavits and statutory declarations are all written statements of the evidence a person wishes to give. AD: Need to transfer money or property owed by you to another person? Click here to use this form to easily transfer your property. ![]()
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