Law 101 Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert, course material

• NCJ Number: 252494
• Date Published: September 2011
• Length: 205 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2004-DN-BX-0079
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Grant Sponsored); Reference Material; Instructional Material (Programmed)

Annotation

This online course, which is provided free to users, presents a comprehensive discussion of recommended practices for the forensic expert to follow when preparing for and testifying in court.

Abstract

In addition to an introduction, the course consists of 13 modules that provide a comprehensive discussion of recommended practices for the forensic expert to follow when preparing for and testifying in court. The modules are entitled as follows: 1) Sources of Scientific Evidence; 2) Report Writing and Supporting Documentation; 3) Importance of Case Preparation; 4) Subpoenas vs. Promises to Appear; 5) Affidavits; 6) Being a Court-Appointed Expert; 7) Discovery; 8) General Testifying Tips; 9) Depositions; 10) Pretrial; 11) Trial; 12) Post-Trial, Pre-Sentencing; and 13) Ethics for Experts. The introductory module addresses the role of an expert witness; the difference between lay and expert opinions; defining technical terms and complex processes for laypersons; realizing that standard operating procedures must be correctly applied in laboratories; and understanding that the expert must remain impartial in testing, report writing, and testimony, regardless of the proffering party's identity.