Decide what exhibits and sketches you will hand in. Label, initial, and number them. If they are returned to you after the trial, preserve them for possible future use (e.g., pathological specimens).
Previous to the trial keep all notes and exhibits under lock and key.
Remember medico-legal evidence is subject to certain limitations—your “facts” may be absolute, or probable, or merely possible (see p. [45]).
Refresh the memory from your clinical or other notes just before giving evidence rather than when in the witness box.
Any notes read in the witness box are open to the inspection of the Court. They must have been made by you at the time of the event in question, or immediately thereafter.
All clinical notes and personal memoranda should be destroyed upon the death of a medical practitioner, who should see that his Will contains such a direction.
Medico-legal Examination of the Living, the Dying, and the Dead.
“The best memory is a record made at the time.”
Make a note on the spot as to the person examined, the place, the date, and hour of the commencement of the examination. Daylight should be chosen.
If possible, choose a time such that you can complete the enquiry at one sitting, as it may be final.