Quote:
Originally Posted by fredr123
Also note, that in Canada when you take the stand, you are actually going to be standing the whole time. A chair may be available but unless there are special circumstances that make standing a hardship, you are going to be on your feet the whole time.
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Really? Is this the practice in Alberta? It certainly isn't in Saskatchewan and Ontario (the two jurisdictions where I've practiced law.) Members of a police service are sometimes expected (by their police service, not the court) to stand while they testify, but often don't (especially if they are giving lengthy evidence). Otherwise, none of my witnesses have ever stood to testify (nor have I ever seen any civilian witness stand to testify.)
From a practical perspective, when witnesses are often giving evidence for hours or days at a time, it seems profoundly stupid.