NCJ Number
66498
Date Published
1979
Length
188 pages
Annotation
WRITTEN BY A FORMER POLICE OFFICER AND DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY, THIS GUIDE TO POLICE COURTROOM TESTIMONY EMPHASIZES THAT SUCH TESTIMONY IS THE FINAL NECESSARY PHASE OF A POLICE OFFICER'S WORK ON A CASE.
Abstract
PRELIMINARY REMARKS INFORM THE OFFICER ON HOW TO THINK AHEAD TO THE TRIAL WHILE STILL WORKING IN THE FIELD, OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARING FOR COURT, AND ABOUT THE WITNESS ROLE. REASONS FOR TESTIFYING AND SUGGESTIONS ON APPROPRIATE COURT DEMEANOR ARE GIVEN. DISCUSSION AND EXAMPLES OF 31 GENERAL RULES DEAL WITH HOW AND HOW NOT TO TESTIFY, WITH FOCUS ON STANDARD RESPONSES; TIMING; THE IN-COURT IDENTIFICATION; ANSWERING WITH BRACKETS; PROCEDURES INVOLVED WHEN OBJECTIONS ARE MADE; AND THE USE OF GESTURES, DIAGRAMS, AND PHYSICAL EVIDENCE. A TRANSCRIPT FROM AN ACTUAL TRIAL IS INTENDED TO SHOW WHAT QUESTIONS TO EXPECT IN PRELIMINARY TESTIMONY AND HOW THIS 'FOUNDATIONAL' QUESTIONING CAN ESTABLISH SUCH ITEMS AS JURISDICTION AND IDENTIFICATION AND CAN OUTLINE THE SCENE FOR THE JURY. QUESTION AND ANSWER TECHNIQUES AND EXAMPLES EXPLAIN TROUBLESOME OBJECTIONS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM, HOW TO HANDLE CROSS-EXAMINATION, AND A GENERAL APPROACH USED FOR ALL EXPERT WITNESSES. FINALLY, POINTERS DESCRIBE HOW BOTH POLICE AND PROSECUTORS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO BETTER COURT-ROOM PERFORMANCE AND MORE CONVICTIONS. (AOP)