At trial, credibility is everything. If a judge or jury does not find a witness or lawyer credible, the party offering the witness, or being represented by the attorney, should expect a poor outcome. So there you have it . . . only call credible witnesses. It would be nice if it were that easy. Credibility is a complex concept. That said, here are a few observations on the issue of credibility, and these are worth considering as you prepare a witness to testify:
1. Nobody likes a liar.
2. Nobody likes a blow hard.
3. Nobody likes a “know it all.”
4. A little humility goes a long way.
5. A little humanity goes even longer.
6. Every case will have a few bad facts, denying them is worse still. The coverup is often deemed more offensive than the crime.
7. If you are authentic, regardless of your education, occupation, or station in life, a jury will probably find you credible. If you are inauthentic, prepare to lose.
expect lose.