united-states witnesses pro-se
Alternative to &quot;Isn&#39;t it true that...?&quot; when questioning witnesses
<p>I am a parent who is going to a special education impartial hearing without a lawyer.  I have read that with school district witnesses, I am allowed to ask questions of the form "Isn't it true that...?"  But I don't relish the prospect of asking district employees (who work with my child!) a lot of questions with that phrasing.  Is there some more gentlemanly way of accomplishing the same thing?</p>

<p>Please note, special education impartial hearings are a bit more lax than regular court cases, but are still a formal affair.  The "judge" is usually called an "Impartial Hearing Officer (IHO)".</p>

<p>Some people recommend to use plain English and avoid extra words. (Charles Bruess. <em>What You Didn't Learn in Law School about Trial Practice</em>. 2008. p. 128)</p>

<p>Instead of:</p>

<ol>
<li>"Isn't it true that you paid $X in January?", or</li>
<li>"Is it true that you paid $X in January?",</li>
</ol>

<p>you could ask:</p>

<ol start="3">
<li>"Did you pay $X in January?"</li>
</ol>

<hr>

<p><sup>The first two options don't even necessarily mean the same thing. Answering "yes" to the first question could mean, "yes, it isn't true." This is why this kind of phrasing is discouraged.</sup></p>
