![]() ![]() Of course, any witness statement must always be drafted in the witness’s own words. Witness statements – the importance of the witness’s own words and languageĪny practitioner who has been faced with the challenge of taking a witness statement from a witness whose first language is not their own, will be grateful for this clearer guidance on how to proceed. These amendments now leave little room for manoeuvre, should issues arise later down the line with any documents verified by a statement of truth. Indeed, it should encourage even the most relaxed of clients to clarify every minor query they may have regarding the contents of a document before signing. However, should this message ever get lost when relaying it to clients, the new amended wording could not make it clearer that proceedings for contempt of court could be commenced against them should any false statements be present in the document. Conveying the importance that comes with signing a statement of truth is part of our role as responsible legal representatives (and should not be underestimated). Of course, as all practitioners will already know, the implications for falsely signing a statement of truth have always been grave and can trigger proceedings for contempt of court. I understand that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against anyone who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth.’ ‘I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true. Similarly, statements of truth verifying a witness statement are as follows: ‘ that the facts stated in this are true. These changes came into force from 6 April 2020 (with immediate effect) and anyone who drafts or signs documents verified by a statement of truth ought to take notice the new wording stipulates the consequences for anyone falsely signing any such documents.Īmendments to Practice Direction 22 have now brought about new wording for the statement of truth, which verifies a statement of case, a response, an application notice or a notice of objection, which now reads as follows: The 113th update to Practice Direction Amendments brought about important and significant changes to witness statements and statements of truth for both solicitors and their respective clients. It’s there in black and white – new changes to statement of truth wording couldn’t be clearer ![]()
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