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COURTROOM PERFORMANCE

NCJ Number
65589
Author(s)
D ANDERSON
Date Published
1979
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPAREDNESS, PROCEDURE, AND DEMEANOR IN GIVING COURTROOM TESTIMONY AND IN REINFORCING THIS TESTIMONY.
Abstract
THE MAJOR CHARACTERS IN A COURTROOM ARE BRIEFLY PRESENTED, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THOROUGH WITNESS PREPARATION IN PRETRIAL INVESTIGATION IS EMPHASIZED. ELEMENTS OF SUCCESSFUL PREPARATION ARE PRESENTED INCLUDING THE INITIAL MEETING WITH THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY, THE ROLE OF THE DEFENSE ATTORNEY, AND THE USE OF ROLE PLAYING. DISCUSSION ON THE APPROPRIATE COURTROOM DEMEANOR FOR WITNESSES EMPHASIZES PROPER POSTURE, DRESS, AVOIDANCE OF NERVOUS GESTURES, AND GOOD EYE CONTACT WITH JURORS AND THE COURTROOM ATTORNEYS. A DISCUSSION OF WITNESS TESTIMONY EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF ANSWERING ONLY THE QUESTIONS THAT ARE ASKED; GIVING CONCISE, COMPLETE, AND TRUTHFUL ANSWERS; AND DEVELOPING AN IMPARTIAL ATTITUDE. SUGGESTIONS FOR WITNESS BEHAVIOR UNDER CROSS EXAMINATION INCLUDE PAUSING BEFORE ANSWERING, DEVELOPING A NEUTRAL TONE, KNOWING WHAT TO DO WHEN AN OBJECTION IS SUSTAINED OR OVERRULED, AND ANSWERING HONESTLY. DRAMATIZED COURTROOM SCENES FOCUS ON ONE OFFICER'S RESPONSE TO A CRIME AND HIS SUBSEQUENT APPEARANCE IN COURT. AN INSTRUCTOR'S MANUAL ACCOMPANIES THE FILM. THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED FOR EXPERIENCED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENTS, PROSECUTORS, PRIVATE SECURITY OFFICERS, AND MILITARY POLICE PERSONNEL. (AOP)

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