To Escape Attending as a Witness:
In Coroners’ Courts. Written certificates are usually accepted in Coroners’ Courts from members of hospital staffs and from general practitioners concerning the absence from ill-health of witnesses or jurymen; the nature of the illness need not be specified. In higher Courts personal attendance and evidence upon oath are necessary.
In Civil Courts. If an appeal to the solicitor fails, you may state that your memory of the events in question is vague, and when prompted you may find that the facts as known to you are quite hostile to his client’s claim.
You may decline to offer “expert opinions”—a direct interference with the facts and circumstances of the case alone qualifies you as a common skilled witness who is bound to give evidence if required so to do.