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If you're representing yourself (that is, if you don't have a lawyer), you can:
After you testify, the other person in your case (the law calls them the other party) or their
lawyer can cross-examine you (ask you their own questions). They'll ask you questions that they
think will get you to say something that helps their case more than it helps yours.
See Sample questions to ask when cross-examining witnesses at a Supreme Court trial to find out
more about cross-examination.
If you don't have a lawyer, you can also question your own witnesses. This is called direct
examination (just like when your own lawyer questions you, if you have one).
The other person or their lawyer will then cross-examine your witnesses.
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If you call a witness, you'll question them in a direct examination. If they're not an expert
witness, start by asking questions that show how they know you and the other person involved in
your case.
After you've asked your questions, the other person or their lawyer can cross-examine them.
Look at our sample affidavit. It has details about a case between a couple called James and
Angela Smith who separated and are in court to sort out some parenting issues. (They're not real
people.)
Imagine that they have a witness called John who's being asked questions by Angela.
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Here are some questions that Angela could ask John for her direct examination of him. Look at
how she uses quite formal language. She doesn't speak the way she would with friends or family.
But you can only introduce documents you shared with the other person in the discovery process.
After you've introduced the document by asking the witness questions about it:
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give a copy to the clerk, who will give it to the judge.
If the other party doesn't object, it will be entered as an exhibit
See Using witnesses to give evidence in Supreme Court to find out more about this.
Question: Do either of the Smiths' children have any special learning needs?
Answer: He was assessed by the school. I was his teacher at the time and was involved in the
assessment.
Question: I am handing you a copy of an assessment from the school dated October 5, 2012 for
Jason. Is this the assessment you are referring to?
Answer: Yes.
Question: My Lord/My Lady, I’d like to offer this document as the next exhibit.
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