My trial testimony recently became available to me. I will be carefully reviewing it in detail and then posting selected material from it. When I say selected, I am removing certain personal things, technical discussion between attorneys and the court reporter or videographer, as well as any boring parts such as stating my name.
I am still waiting, however, for my discovery deposition. When it becomes available, I will also post selected material from it too. I found the discovery phase far more interesting, but like the other testimony, I will leave out personal information.
Finally, when I can, I will post selected comments from my affidavits. The affidavits contain some fascinating and key references that I think you will find most interesting. You will see how they become important to these abuse trials ? and it may even give some readers ideas on how they can submit important related references to the legal experts.
Some may wonder if my posting on this topic may be compromising the efforts of the plaintiffs. The answer is no. The reasons are plain and simple. Unlike secretive and hidden Watchtower Judicial Committees where the accused JW offender is oftentimes not permitted to know who made allegations, or what the sources are that the Elders use to convict them of a serious transgression of Watchtower policy, the court system in a democratic nation requires openness for the most part ? except to protect certain rights of the parties involved.
As trials go in the United States, except for issues involving national security, the defense is entitled to copies of affidavits and referenced materials used by the plaintiffs as exhibits and likewise, plaintiffs are entitled to the same. Courts in the United States are most often open to the public, and in some jurisdictions the court may even allow reporters and news cameras in for the sake of the public interests.
Furthermore, trial statements made under oath become part of the public record ? unless for some reason a judge orders it sealed in certain situations. As long as I do not misquote, embellish, spin, or change my story, then there is no problem with my telling the truth openly and publicly. It is a healthy sign that our democratic system of justice is working well, and is far superior to closed and secretive systems that do not permit the light of day.
In fact, by seeing the kinds of questions asked by the plaintiff and defense attorneys, some may begin to see this issue shaping up, and may feel comfortable stepping forward with information, testimony, and possibly additional allegations to be redressed in the courts.
Former Jehovah?s Witnesses have been waiting a long time to see the wheels of justice turn. They need to see some progress. By releasing as much information as reasonably possible regarding this progress, it will help some in the healing process to know that justice and reasonable accountability are possible.
I have been anxious to tell more since the trial testimony, depositions, and affidavits were done, but I have had to balance this need to release information to be sure that each step is carefully considered. I am not trying to milk this like a reality TV show ... I am just opting to tell you what I can, as I can.
Soooo, stay tuned for upcoming releases of my trial testimony which should be posted in the next few days! - Jim Whitney