Can you answer "I don't recall"?
Asked by: Jessyca Conroy | Last update: December 13, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (73 votes)
“I don't recall” is the correct answer whenever you don't recall. As long as you're using it accurately and avoiding the gamesmanship of cloaking what would be a negative answer, a proud and definitive “I don't remember” is the way to go. And there is no need to add an apology to that.
When someone says "I don't recall"?
If you're under oath, lying is perjury, and you could be charged with that – especially if what you're falsely claiming not to recall is material to the case. People too often think they can get away with it because no one else can prove what they do or don't remember.
Can you say I don't recall in court?
Any answer – even “I don't recall” – must be truthful
Typically, experienced attorneys know how to get around “I don't recall” answers. If you say you don't recall when you last saw someone, they can narrow it down to whether you recall seeing them in the past year or within a week before an alleged crime.
Can I answer "I don't remember" in a deposition?
A deposition is not a test. You don't get credit for guessing. If you don't remember the facts that would answer a particular question, just say, “I don't remember.” If you are not absolutely certain about your answer, qualify your answer with something like, “To the best of my recollection right now …”
What does "I don't recall" mean?
Unlike saying "I don't know," which affirmatively states a lack of any knowledge, not recalling something implies that you may or may not have ever known anything, but as you sit there, you are unable to call forth a specific recollection. You may know, you just don't remember at the moment.
Jeff Sessions Said 'I Don't Recall' A Lot During Senate Hearing | The 11th Hour | MSNBC
Can I ignore a recall?
While no one is going to force you to take your vehicle in if you receive a recall notice, ignoring a recall could cost you.
What does recall mean in message?
With message recall, a message that you sent is retrieved from the mailboxes of the recipients who haven't yet opened it. You can also substitute a replacement message. For example, if you forgot to include an attachment, you can try to retract the message, and then send a replacement message that has the attachment.
What not to say during deposition?
- Guess or speculate. “I don't know” or “I can't remember” is acceptable.
- Be anxious or stressed out. It will affect what you say and how you appear.
- Be defensive or angry. Never argue with the attorney.
- Offer information not requested. ...
- Talk too much or ramble. ...
- Talk too little. ...
- Be too extreme.
Can you say "I don't know" in court?
You only need to answer the questions asked of you. answer until you are told to answer. If you do not understand a question, it is alright to ask that the question be repeated or clarified. If you do not know an answer, say so.
Can I decline to answer questions at a deposition?
Individuals can refuse to answer questions if responses might incriminate them. Courts uphold this right to prevent self-incrimination during depositions.
Can you say "I don't know" in a deposition?
Volunteering information that's not requested by the question usually just makes the process take longer. Don't guess, don't speculate, unless you're asked to. Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know," if, in fact, you really don't know.
What words should you avoid in court?
The Bad Word List, also known as the anti-reptile word list, includes: always, never, must, required, every, any, safety, priority, prevent, and violate, among others. Each word eliminates judgment and circumstances and can trap witnesses.
How to use "I don't recall"?
Sentence examples for I don't recall that from inspiring English sources. I don't recall that," said McDonnell. I don't remember anyone saying that and I don't recall that statement". But I don't recall that art teacher, nor any other, ever mentioning a single famous artist.
Why do people say I don't recall in court?
Some witnesses – generally those who don't get legal guidance – think they can get around taking the Fifth and arousing suspicion about their own culpability while also avoiding a perjury or obstruction charge by simply saying they don't recall certain things.
Can you say you can't remember in court?
Sometimes it will be a valid answer (even to the witness' credit) to say, simply, “I don't remember”. It is the inevitability of imperfect memories and errors (like mine) that lawyers need to have at the forefront of their minds when interviewing witnesses.
Why is recall so important?
Active recall is so important and powerful in learning due to process of memory retrieval itself. While remembering, you re-access information from the past which has been previously encoded and stored in your mind. Essentially, the brain 'replays' a pattern of neural activity created in response to an event.
Is saying I don't recall perjury?
Any time you provide testimony in a criminal case (yours or someone else's) under oath, whether it's verbally or in writing, you're required to tell the truth. If you don't, you could potentially face perjury charges.
What is the difference between I don't recall and I don't remember?
“Remember” means to keep something in your memory, while “recall” means to access your memory. You cannot exchange “do not forget” with “recall,” only with “remember.”
Can your words be used against you in court?
If you say something voluntarily before they start questioning you—or if they never officially question you—the words you said in their presence may still be used against you in court. That's why it's always best to remain silent until speaking with an attorney—whether or not your rights are read to you.
Is it OK to cry during a deposition?
If you have been severely traumatized and have become depressed as a result of that trauma, it is expected that you will act depressed and perhaps cry, if appropriate, at your deposition.
What should you not say to a lawyer?
- Do Not Say Anything to Your Attorney That Is Not True. ...
- Do Not Exaggerate Your Injuries When Talking to Your Lawyer. ...
- Do Not Tell Your Lawyer to Act On Your Behalf and Take Other Action Without Their Awareness.
How do you answer tricky deposition questions?
When answering questions in a deposition, it's essential to stick to what you know and avoid speculating or guessing. If you're not sure of the answer to a question, it's okay to say so. However, you should avoid making assumptions or offering opinions that are not based on fact.
What does recall mean in law?
Definitions of "recall"
The process of asking or ordering something or someone to be returned. A process or right that allows the public to remove an official from their position through voting. The process of canceling or nullifying something.
When can you not recall a message?
If your recipient has already opened your email, a recall will not work. You can ask your recipient to disregard the email. However, it will remain in their inbox, and they will continue to have access to it unless it is deleted.
What is the purpose of a recall?
Recall is a voluntary action that takes place because manufacturers and distributors carry out their responsibility to protect the public health and well-being from products that present a risk of injury or gross deception or are otherwise defective.