NCJ Number
40110
Date Published
1977
Length
139 pages
Annotation
THE EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION AND HANDLING OF TRIAL EVIDENCE CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING POSTCONVICTION APPEALS REQUIRES FROM THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE RELATED TO THE NATURE OF THE EVIDENCE AND TRIAL TACTICS.
Abstract
IN ORDER TO EASE THE BURDENS OF THIS TASK FOR BOTH NEW AND EXPERIENCED PROSECUTORS. THE AUTHOR HAS COMPLIED LISTS OF QUESTIONS WHICH WILL AID PROSECUTORS IN LAYING THE FOUNDATION OF TESTIMONY FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF WITNESSES ON A WIDE VARIETY OF SUBJECTS. AMONG THE TOPICS ADDRESSED ARE THE HANDLING OF EVIDENCE, VERIFICATION OF EVIDENCE PRIOR TO ITS INTRODUCTION INTO THE RECORD, INTRODUCTION OF EVIDENCE, QUALIFICATION OF WITNESSES, AND IMPEACHMENT OF INCONSISTENT TESTIMONY. OUTLINES OF QUESTIONS INCLUDE GENERAL QUESTIONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AS WELL AS PREDICATE QUESTIONS FOR EYEWITNESSES TO VEHICULAR HOMICIDES, STATE CHEMISTS, TOXICOLOGISTS, MEDICAL EXPERTS, EXAMINERS OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS, FIREARMS EXPERTS, AND COURT REPORTERS. IN ADDITION, QUESTIONS WHICH WOULD BE USEFUL IN QUALIFYING MEDICAL EXAMINERS, INFANT WITNESSES, VALUE EXPERTS, WITNESSES EXPERT IN THE FIELD OF ILLEGAL LOTTERIES, TRANSLATORS, AND COURT REPORTERS ARE PROVIDED. AMONG THE TYPES OF EVIDENCE FOR WHICH PREDICATE QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN LISTED ARE PHOTOGRAPHS; NARCOTICS; HOSPITAL, BUSINESS, AND BANK ACCOUNT RECORDS; NAUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS; RECORDINGS; VIDEO TAPES; VOICE IDENTIFICATIONS; COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY; PRIOR CONVICTIONS; AND CONFESSIONS. QUESTIONS FOR HOSTILE WITNESSES AND INTRODUCING OUT-OF-COURT IDENTIFICATIONS OF DEFENDANTS ARE ALSO PROVIDED.