How important are a witness's appearance and demeanor to credibility?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Law enforcement authorities disagree as to whether officers should wear uniforms or civilian clothes to court. Some believe that a law enforcement officer should always wear a uniform when testifying in court for immediate identification by the jurors. Others contend that civilian clothing is proper dress, because the uniform presents an authoritarian appearance that may be offensive to the jury. A third group takes the view that the officer should wear the type of dress-that is, uniform or civilian clothes-worn at the time of the arrest. Often this decision is largely a matter of departmental policy.
In any event, dress should be clean and neat. If civilian clothes are worn, a degree of formality is appropriate. Conservative clothes are less likely to offend members of the jury than are wild, flashy outfits, even though neat. Identifying items such as jewelry representing a specific occupation or association membership should be avoided. Lapel pins from specific civic clubs or tie tacks with emblems of handcuffs or service revolvers should not be worn. Although these are extremely small points, one can never predict who might be offended. Additionally, all the fundamentals pertaining to personal hygiene should be scrupulously observed.
Law enforcement witnesses should be conscious of their demeanor from the time they arrive at the courthouse. Before trial or during recesses, jurors may be standing around the courthouse. If an officer makes a bad impression through his or her appearance or actions, this may be remembered by a juror when the officer takes the stand and may adversely affect the credibility of the officer in that juror's mind. Consequently, any actions that could be offensive to jurors are to be avoided. The law enforcement officer should avoid talking to the prosecutor, court clerks, or judges and should refrain from acting overly friendly to anyone involved in the trial. Although there is nothing inherently wrong with idle talk or friendliness, jurors may perceive it as collusion.