NCJ Number
85188
Date Published
1981
Length
118 pages
Annotation
This book provides information for the firefighter, fire officer, investigator, law enforcement officer, insurance agent, and claims adjuster who give testimony in arson prosecution cases.
Abstract
Because the quality of a witness's performance in court largely determines the success or failure of an arson prosecution, the witness must be properly prepared for a court appearance. Topics include characteristics of a good witness, steps in a criminal prosecution, jury trial proceedings, duties of an investigating officer, preparation for court appearances, testifying, the importance of showing neutrality, and special skills required of the witness. Additional subjects focus on eyewitness accounts, physical evidence and confessions, qualifications of expert witnesses, testifying as an arson expert, and concerns of insurance agents and claims adjusters. Preparing for a court appearance involves coordinated case review, good grooming, and adjustment of attitude to convey neutrality. The witness must gain the jury's trust if the prosecution effort is to be successful. Photographs, samples of questions and answers, a glossary, 23 references, and a text review are provided.