As stated in last week’s Tip “if you see something, say something”.  This applies especially in litigation, which is often extremely stressful.  An experienced litigator related an incident that can serve as an example.  A highly agitated and excitable adverse party arrived for a deposition and slammed his briefcase on the conference table.  The sound indicated the briefcase was uncommonly heavy.  The litigator privately asked opposing counsel to meet separately with his client and check to make sure the brief case did not contain a weapon.  He agreed to do so and all went well.  The witness even calmed down a little for his deposition.