Ron Smith, CLPE, CSCSA

Expert Witness Testimony Techniques for Laboratory Analysts

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Course Description

 Contrary to the public’s perception, the majority of crime laboratories and forensic units do not have a formal and comprehensive expert witness testimony training program. This leaves the newly trained forensic scientist in the precarious position of learning to testify by attending the “School of Hard Knocks”. Compound this lack of standardized training with the challenges to the forensic sciences since the “Daubert” decision and the recent National Academy of Sciences report, the courtroom environment becomes a potential mine field for the unprepared expert witness.

This two (2) day interactive course will focus on one basic premise, and that is: Jurors do not vote on the truth! They can only vote on their perception of the truth as they see it that day in court. It certainly is not our job as expert witnesses to convict, but it is incumbent upon us to testify in a manner which is believable and understandable, regardless of the verdict.

It is up to you, as an unbiased forensic expert witness, to instill within them what is termed “forensic trust”. Trust of the forensic discipline you practice and trust in you as the practitioner. This course is designed to teach the student the methodology necessary to foster that level of trust, regardless of the challenges presented by legal counsel. It is a fun, interactive and highly energetic opportunity to significantly improve your testimony skills. Those faint of heart need not attend!