Which option best reflects proper conduct when answering questions in court?

• A. Volunteer extra information beyond what is asked
• B. Answer only what is asked and avoid unnecessary detail
• C. Debate the evidence
• D. Guess when uncertain

Answer: (B)

In court, the key is to answer questions truthfully and directly, sticking to what was asked. Providing extra information beyond the question can bring in irrelevant details, confuse jurors, or raise new issues you weren’t asked to address. It can also seem like you’re offering opinion or speculation, which witnesses aren’t supposed to do. So you should keep responses concise and focused on the facts you know.

Debating or challenging the evidence isn’t your role as a witness; that’s for the judge and the attorneys. Your job is to state the facts you observed or know, not to argue about how the evidence should be interpreted. If you don’t know the answer or can’t recall something, say so rather than guessing. Guessing can mislead the court and harm your credibility.