How should a witness respond if the defense attorney tries to make them appear inept?

How should a witness respond if the defense attorney tries to make them appear inept?

• A. By becoming defensive and argumentative
• B. By conveying professionalism and knowledge
• C. By ignoring the attorney's comments
• D. By agreeing with the attorney's viewpoint

Answer: (B)

A witness should respond by conveying professionalism and knowledge to maintain credibility and demonstrate their competence. When faced with attempts by a defense attorney to undermine their capabilities or portray them negatively, projecting confidence and calmness can effectively counteract those tactics. This approach not only reinforces the witness's reliability in the eyes of the jury or judge but also helps in establishing a narrative that is grounded in facts and sound reasoning. In contrast, becoming defensive and argumentative may inadvertently validate the defense attorney’s attempts to discredit the witness. Ignoring comments can be perceived as evasive and might raise further suspicions about the witness's reliability. Agreeing with the attorney's viewpoint could signal a lack of confidence or agreement with their intention, which would dilute the impact of the witness's testimony. Therefore, demonstrating professionalism and knowledge is the most effective strategy for a witness to maintain their credibility during cross-examination.

A witness should respond by conveying professionalism and knowledge to maintain credibility and demonstrate their competence. When faced with attempts by a defense attorney to undermine their capabilities or portray them negatively, projecting confidence and calmness can effectively counteract those tactics. This approach not only reinforces the witness's reliability in the eyes of the jury or judge but also helps in establishing a narrative that is grounded in facts and sound reasoning.

In contrast, becoming defensive and argumentative may inadvertently validate the defense attorney’s attempts to discredit the witness. Ignoring comments can be perceived as evasive and might raise further suspicions about the witness's reliability. Agreeing with the attorney's viewpoint could signal a lack of confidence or agreement with their intention, which would dilute the impact of the witness's testimony. Therefore, demonstrating professionalism and knowledge is the most effective strategy for a witness to maintain their credibility during cross-examination.