Big proof... on liability too, complete with witnesses

Have had a bit more fun at court recently, hotly opposed motions, and even a day where I sat through the whole morning to discover I had turned up on the wrong date...  (it had been changed... a lesson to check the rolls when you come in!)

This week had my first proof on liability.  A whole new ball game, with lots of things to prepare for (and I did LOTS of preparation) - including preliminary matters, witnesses who disagreed on facts, and actual law to be argued.

The hardest part was dealing with the witnesses and productions.  There were lots of documents.  Sounds obvious, but it hadn't occurred to me that you need someone to speak to them so they can be part of the evidence.  Had a very patient sheriff who (luckily for me) grasped everything quickly.  He asked plenty of questions, asking the witnesses questions throughout.  He clearly just wanted to get to the point without wasting any time.

Dealing with the submissions was more fun than the witnesses.  I had prepared extensive and detailed submissions but it was more of a discussion of the law with the Sheriff.  He asked questions as I led him through, but he didn't require details, clearly grasping what was being said, though it was handy to be able to back up what I was saying from time to time.  The preparation was worth it as at least I (kind of) knew what I was talking about.

I was also very lucky on one point - I was relying on a set of regulations and had looked into a particular amendment on the offchance the day before the proof.  The old regulations would have killed my argument and the sheriff wasnt aware of the amendment.    Phew.

So it was brilliant to win, facts and law accepted.  Returned to the office and was cheered on the way in (nice!) to learn that we had previously had limited success in convincing decision makers on this particular point in the past.  So happy days!

A lot of effort, and a little stress, but a total buzz at the end!