is-x-legal rules-of-court lawyer legal-research jurisprudence
Can a self-represented defendant call oneself as a witness?
<p>You see this occassionally in comedy films and I have to wonder how legal it is. If I act as my own lawyer at a trial, can I call myself to the stand as a witness? Can I refuse to answer my own questions and be a hostile witness to myself? Am I supposed to ask a question, then run and sit on the stand and answer, then dash back in front to ask my next question? Can the opposing counsel accuse me of &quot;leading the witness&quot; or &quot;badgering the witness&quot; or whatever?</p>

<p>The old saying: Being your own lawyer means you have a fool as the lawyer and a fool as the client. If one fool calls the other fool as a witness, that's even more foolish. And the worst crime is annoying the judge with your antics.</p>
<p>Opposing council will just take note of every question you ask and your replies, and then call you as witness themself. And assuming they are a proper lawyer, everything they ask will be hurting you. No need to accuse you as &quot;leading&quot; or &quot;badgering&quot; the witness.</p>

<p>Yes, though there is a procedure for in that doesn't involve running back and forth (don't do this as the bailiff will tackle you).</p>
<p>The defendant will almost always need to take the stand. There are two ways this can be done. Which is permitted depends on the judge.</p>
<p>The first, more common method is that the defendant gives a statement without being questioned. This would include all relevant facts that would normally be given by answers to their lawyer's questions.</p>
<p>After this statement is given, the prosecution will cross-examine as usual.</p>
<p>The second is more similar to what you describe- the defendant plays the role of asker and answerer. The defendant does not run back and forth and should probably refrain from doing a silly voice for the lawyer part but yes, they ask questions and answer them. This was used in United States v. Nivica, 887 F.2d 1110 (1st Cir. 1989).</p>
