What to do if a witness doesn't answer cross examination in an employment matter

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1. Licensed in CA

   

   David Mallen

   El Segundo Employment / Labor Attorney

   Contributor Level 14

   7

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   Answered January 06, 2013 12:15. Your question is unclear. Are you in arbitration or mediation? If this is important enough for you to post a question that only a lawyer can answer, perhaps you invest in an hour or two of a lawyer's time.
   
   Best,
   
   David Mallen

   David A. Mallen offers answers on Avvo for general information only. This offer of free, general answers is not... moreDavid A. Mallen offers answers on Avvo for general information only. This offer of free, general answers is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. If you need specific advice regarding your legal question, you should consult an attorney confidentially. Many experienced California labor and employment attorneys, including David A. Mallen offer no-risk legal consultations to employers and employees at no charge. David A. Mallen is licensed to practice law before all state and federal courts in California, as well as the California Labor Commissioner and the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board. Failure to take legal action within the time periods prescribed by law could result in the loss of important legal rights and remedies. less

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2. Licensed in CA

   

   John O'BrienPro

   San Diego Lawsuit / Dispute Attorney

   Contributor Level 13

   

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   Answered January 06, 2013 12:57. Your question is indeed unclear. If you're in arbitration, and the witness is non-responsive, the arbitrator will likely compel a response (on their own or on your request), if the question is not objectionable.

   The information/answer is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your... moreThe information/answer is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your individual situation. This attorney is only licensed to practice law in California. Your question and this answer do not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not send/post any confidential information. less

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3. Licensed in CA

   

   Marilynn Spencer

   San Diego Employment / Labor Attorney

   Contributor Level 20

   5

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   Answered January 06, 2013 15:56. If you are in an arbitration hearing and the witness doesn't answer, there are various devices you might use, but you may not have to do anything. Obviously the arbitrator is right there, too, and can see what is happening. This gives you the opportunity to argue in your closing statement and closing brief that the witness' failure to answer should be interpreted to mean that if the witness had answered, the witness' response would have supported your position.
   
   Usually, the best thing to do is immediately ask the arbitrator to order that the witness answer ("Mr. or Madam Arbitrator, I move that you order the witness to answer the question.")
   
   Other options would vary depending on the situation, who the witness is, what you know the witness would say, and more.
   
   Ask the witness if the reason he or she is not answering is because he or was told not to do so by an employer (or whomever is relevant).
   
   Ask if the witness is not answering because the answer supports your case.
   
   Ask why the witness is not answering.
   
   Ask why witness what you have to do to get him or her to answer.
   
   Remind the witness he or she is under oath and that a failure to answer may be considered contempt (depending on if this is court-ordered arbitration).
   
   All that said, I agree absolutely that your best bet is to retain an attorney to train you for a few hours in the rules of evidence, witness examination and cross examination. For this type of assistance, you can expect to pay hourly. Plaintiffs employment attorneys in California charge anywhere from $250 to $750 an hour depending on many factors including experience, area of law, geographic location, work load, interest in the case, difficulty of the case and more. You should expect to need at least three hours for this kind of consultation.

   twitter.com/MikaSpencer *** All legal actions have time limits, called statutes of limitation. If you miss the... moretwitter.com/MikaSpencer *** All legal actions have time limits, called statutes of limitation. If you miss the deadline for filing your claim, you will lose the opportunity to pursue your case. Please consult with an experienced employment attorney as soon as possible to better preserve your rights. *** Marilynn Mika Spencer provides information on Avvo as a service to the public, primarily when general information may be of assistance. Avvo is not an appropriate forum for an in-depth response or a detailed analysis. These comments are for information only and should not be considered legal advice. Legal advice must pertain to specific, detailed facts. No attorney-client relationship is created based on this information exchange. *** Marilynn Mika Spencer is licensed to practice law before all state and federal courts in California, and can appear before administrative agencies throughout the country. She is eligible to represent clients in other states on a pro hac vice basis. *** less

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4. Licensed in CA

   

   David ShapiroPro

   San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 17

   

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   Answered January 07, 2013 07:57. Refresh their recollection with the previous answer, assuming the previous answer is helpful to your position. And/or ask the arbitrator to order the witness to answer.

   Law Offices of David Shapiro 3555 4th Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 295-3555

   • San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney

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