Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth under the penalty of law.
Oath for sworn Testimony
Since I wrote about telling the whole truth (see here), I’ve taken the oath and testified in a court of law.
In preparation for testimony, I learned which statements are allowed in the courtroom.
Hearsay is not truth. I cannot testify about what someone else said.
Speculation is not truth. I cannot testify based on my guesses, deductions, or inferences.
I was asked a question about a matter in which expertise was required. I had no expertise and could only speculate, so I declined. I was next asked about my observations and could comply.
Courtroom protocols are worthy of remembering outside the courtroom. (My husband would agree because I do like to speculate.) Equally important, I am more equipped to deal with opinions disguised as facts. (See here.)
That’s hearsay.
That sounds like speculation.
Do you speculate as much as I do? (Of course, to answer, you have to speculate about how much I speculate.)
