I can recall an occasion when I was called as an expert witness in a Federal case. I was sworn in and asked several questions, first to establish my credibility as an expert, then to elaborate on some conditions prevalent in the court case.

As I tried to answer all the questions, there came one witch I felt that I needed to explain the answer more completely. The judge leaned over and said: “That’s enough, Mr. Allen, you’ve answered the question.” I feel bad that I didn’t have the presence of mind to respond: “But I’ve been sworn in to tell the truth, the whole truth . . . and as yet I haven’t been able to explain the whole truth!”

That seems to be the order of the day. You aren’t always allowed to tell the whole truth!

Like the story: “’Judge’ said the prisoner, ‘I don’t know what to do.’
‘Why, what is the matter?’ asked the judge.
‘I swore to tell the truth, but every time I try some lawyer objects!’”

That’s one of the reasons Abraham Lincoln explained: “Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbor to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.”

Listen to Honest Abe!