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Draft a witness question outline from the case file
A structured outline of topics and questions for examining a witness, linked to the documents, for you to shape into your own plan.
When to use it
When preparing for a hearing or trial
Step by step
Pull together the witness material
Gather the witness's statement, your chronology and the key documents they deal with. Anonymise, or use a firm-approved AI tool.
Ask for a topic-by-topic outline
Paste the material with this prompt.
Prompt to copyHelp me prepare to [examine in chief / cross-examine] a witness in a [type of case]. My client is the [claimant / defendant]. Using only the material below, produce an outline: for each topic, give 1) the point I want to establish, 2) 4 to 6 short, single-fact questions in a logical order ([use leading questions for cross-examination / open questions for examination in chief]), 3) the document and page that supports each point, 4) the likely answer and a risk if the witness disagrees. Flag inconsistencies between the statement and the documents. Material: [paste or attach]Check it against the evidence
Confirm every reference and quote in the original documents. Remove anything the evidence does not support.
Make it yours
Reorder, cut and rewrite the questions to fit your strategy, the court's rules and your own style. The AI outline is a starting point, not a script.
What you get
Topic 2: Knowledge of the leak Point: The witness knew by January. Q1 You manage the building? Q2 Tenants email you about repairs? Q3 Please look at page 41. That's an email to you dated 12 January? Q4 It mentions water coming through the ceiling? Risk: may say the email went to spam.
Tips
- Ask for one fact per question. It keeps the outline tight and easy to adapt.
- Any case law or rules the AI mentions must be checked against the source. AI can invent cases.