Who first said no comment?
The first recorded usage as a stock answer to questions was made in 1950 by Charles Ross (President Harry Truman’s White House press secretary).
Who said no comment is a comment?
Nancy Reagan
As Nancy Reagan always said, “Just say NO,” to “no comment.” The issue with the ever so easy to say and often used phrase is that “no comment” really is a comment.
Where did the term no comment come from?
This stems from a change in the law in the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, which modified the right to silence for suspects being questioned by police in England and Wales.
How do you respond to no comment?
How To Say No Comment Without Saying No Comment
- “I don’t have anything to say about that.”
- “I can not comment on these matters because they are under seal.”
- “I … have nothing to add to my former answer.”
Why do criminals say no comment?
There is no magic to the phrase no comment. It is simply a device for a suspect to indicate that they have no intention of answering police questions. It allows the police to put questions and the interview to progress easily.
Is it no comment or no comments?
“No comment” is the correct version. The fight is misleading because there are hundreds of sentences in which “no comments” fits perfectly. On its own, however, the singular version should be used.
When was no comment introduced?
Being unable to speak at their own trial, the practice of defendants giving an unsworn statement was introduced and was recognised in law in 1883. Defendants testifying in their own defence was also introduced in the 1880s (and extended to all offences by 1898) although the right to silence was clearly protected.
Should you say no comment in a police interview?
Make “NO COMMENT” to all questions. There is no such thing as a friendly chat with a police officer. Everything you say can and will likely be used as evidence. If they interview you, give a “No Comment” interview, unless under explicit advice from a good solicitor to make a written statement.
Is it rude to say no comment?
No comment – is another way of saying ” I will not asnwer any further questions”, and it’s perfectly fine and not rude at all. If you were just in a conversation with someone it would be very odd (and yes, rather rude) to seriously state ‘no comment’.
What’s another way of saying no comment?
We don’t know. I obviously don’t have any information. I don’t have any information. I just don’t have an answer.
Can you answer no comment in court?
How might a court interpret a “No Comment” interview? The court (be it a jury or a bench of Magistrates) are entitled to draw an “adverse inference” from a suspect’s failure or refusal to answer questions in interview. In other words, the court may conclude that silence equates with guilt.
Is no comment a comment?
No comment is, in fact, a strong comment. By employing no comment, a person or company implies guilt, complicity or prior knowledge of the situation, and it alludes to an attempt to hide that knowledge.
Which is worse saying no comment or answering a question?
Answering a question in a way that goes against well-known facts may result in sarcastic media coverage. For example, calling a legitimate question that you don’t want to answer a hoax is worse than saying No comment. It results in journalists turning to other sources for information.
Is it bad to say no comment to a reporter?
They will provide responses other than No comment. For many people, No comment is tantamount to admitting guilt and/or suggests that you’re hiding something. In most cases, saying No comment to a reporter’s question is a bad move. There are exceptions, though.
Where does the No Comment interview take place?
The interview will take place in an interview room in the police station and should be taped. Remember they want to prosecute you for whatever charge they can stick on you. An interview is a no-win situation. For your benefit, the only thing to be said in an interview is “No comment”.
Can a suspect be advised to go no comment?
It is not enough for a suspect to rely on the fact that they were advised to go “no comment” by their legal advisor. The law states that the decision rests with the suspect and that they cannot “hide behind” legal advice.