This two-day awareness course is ideal for any expert and professional witness who may have to give evidence in court.
Attendees will be provided with an overview of the Criminal Justice System and awareness of Court Systems. Also, the course will explore the roles, requirements, duties and practicalities of being a professional and expert witness within the Criminal Justice System.
This course is part lecture-based and part practical giving opportunity to practice giving evidence in court.
Please note that this course only provides an introduction to an expert witness’ role in the court room and does not substitute a full training course recommended for individuals who regularly provide scientific statements for court and will be expected to give evidence.
Please email us at training@forensic-access-group.co.uk for further information.
**Please note that we can only take instruction via a Barrister or Solicitor, we do not take instruction directly from private individuals.
We are always interested in talking to experienced forensic scientists with a minimum of 5 years of forensic science work who are interested in working as Consultants to undertake ad-hoc work for us.
science@forensic-access.co.uk
Q
Who is this Course for?
This two-day awareness course is ideal for any expert and professional witness who may have to give evidence in court, including:
- Vets, RSPCA, Fire Officers, other professional witnesses
- Crime Scene Managers, Crime Scene Investigators / Forensic Investigators, Scientific Support Managers / Forensic Service Managers
- Forensic Practitioners, including those from Forensic Science Providers and Evidence Recovery Units
Course Topics
The course will cover the following areas of court awareness:
- Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
- Overview of Courts – Explore the court system and the roles within them
- Roles and Responsibilities of an Expert Witness
- Overview of Relevant Legislation – This will including an overview of Forensic Regulator Guidance
- Case Management and Disclosure – Overview to case file management and the importance of contemporaneous notes
- Importance of Scientific Accuracy – Discuss the importance of staying within remit of expert discipline
- Report Writing – Explore relevant legislation and the importance of peer review
- Reviewing Reports – Critique the report of another expert including agreed facts, disputed areas and joint reports
- Consideration of Hypotheses – Develop awareness of confirmation bias and how to mitigate this
- Court Preparation
- Attendance at Court
- Tips and Advice for Court Presentation
- Methods of Examination – Different types examinations, including cross examination and coping strategies
