- Introduction
- Module 1: Sources of Scientific Evidence
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Module 2: Report Writing and Supporting Documentation
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Topic 1: Using Plain Language in Reports
- QUESTION 1
- QUESTION 2
- Topic 2: Removing Documents From the Case File
- Topic 3: Understanding How Laws Differ Among Jurisdictions
- Topic 4: Consulting Accredited Standards for Case File Requirements
- Topic 5: Following Lab Policies for Report Writing
- Topic 6: Including All Conclusions
- Topic 7: Completing the Report Review (QA/QC)
- Topic 8: Amending Reports
- Topic 9: Submitting the Report to the Proffering Attorney
- Topic 10: Retaining Samples for Future Testing
- Topic 11: Knowing Relevant Lab Policies for Evidence Disposition
-
Topic 1: Using Plain Language in Reports
-
Module 3. Importance of Case Preparation
- Topic 1: Introduction: Communicating With Attorneys
- Topic 2: Engaging the Expert
- Topic 3: Preparation: Qualities of an Effective Expert
- Topic 4: Curriculum Vitae
- Topic 5: Getting Started: The Action Plan
- Topic 6: Benefits of Pretrial Preparatory Meeting
- Topic 7: The Scientific Method
- Topic 8: Facts of the Case
- Topic 9: Objectivity vs. Advocacy
- Topic 10: Visual and Demonstrative Aids
- Topic 11: Theory of the Case
- Topic 12: Background on the Discipline
- Topic 13: Opinions and Conclusions
- Topic 14: Rules for Experts
- Module 4: Subpoenas vs. Promises to Appear
- Module 5: Affidavits
-
Module 6: Being a Court-Appointed Expert
- QUESTION 1
- Topic 1: Court-Appointed Experts and Witnesses
- Topic 2: Reasons to Appoint an Expert Witness
- Topic 3: Testimony by Court Experts About Other Experts' Testing
- Topic 4: Federal Rules of Evidence Regarding Expert Witnesses
- Topic 5: Cross-Examining Court-Appointed Witnesses
- Topic 6: Court-Appointed Non-Expert Witnesses
- Topic 7: The Special Master
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Module 7: Discovery
- Topic 1: Definition and Purpose of Discovery
- Topic 2: Effects of Discovery on Experts
- Topic 3: Role of Experts in the Discovery Process
- Topic 4: Specific Tasks for the Expert
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Topic 5: Role of Expert in Compiling Information
- QUESTION 4
- QUESTION 5
- Topic 6: Rules of Discovery for Experts
- Topic 7: Criminal Rules vs. Civil Rules of Discovery
- Topic 8: Discoverable Information
- Topic 9: Early Attorney Consultation
- Topic 10: Importance of Maintaining Current and Complete Documents
- Topic 11: Generating Additional Discovery Requests
- Topic 12: Discovery: Role of Consulting Experts vs. Testifying Experts
- Topic 13: Confidentiality and Privilege Between Expert and Attorney
- Topic 14: Privilege and the Expert
- Topic 15: Retaining Confidentiality
- Topic 16: Ethical Conduct and Discovery
- Topic 17: Meticulous Preparation of All Materials Subject to Discovery at Deposition or Trial
- Topic 18: Orders for Production
- Topic 19: Review of Discovery Items Before Deposition and Trial
- Topic 20: Conclusion
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Module 8: General Testifying Tips
- Topic 1: Testimony of Subpoenaed Witness
- Topic 2: Overview of Expert Testimony Preparation
- Topic 3: Review of Legal Instructions for Testimony
- Topic 4: Structure and Organization of Expert Testimony
- Topic 5: Items Required for Testimony
- Topic 6: Personal Appearance and Demeanor for Testimony
- Topic 7: General Observations and Objectivity of the Expert Witness
- Topic 8: Fundamental Guidelines for Deposition and Trial Testimony
- Topic 9: Tips for the Expert Witness in Direct and Cross-Examination
- Topic 10: Additional Tips for the Novice or Experienced Expert
- Topic 11: Value of Expert Witness Post-Testimony Self-Evaluation
- Topic 12: Establishment of an Expert Witness "Bill of Rights"
- Topic 13: Assertion of the Expert's Rights as a Witness
- Topic 14: Avoidance of Ethical Violations
- Topic 15: Response to Claims of "Junk Science"
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Module 9: Depositions
- Topic 1: Definition of a Deposition
- Topic 2: Purpose of a Deposition
- Topic 3: Notification of an Expert Before a Deposition
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Topic 4: Procedure for Conducting a Deposition
- QUESTION 2
- QUESTION 3
- Topic 5: Uses of Depositions
- Topic 6: Preparation for Deposition
- Topic 7: More Specific Preparation for Deposition
- Topic 8: Prior Writings and Testimony Contrary to the Case's Position
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Topic 9: Exercising Caution About Opinions, Omissions and Responses at Deposition
- QUESTION 8
- QUESTION 9
- Topic 10: Answering Questions Effectively in Deposition
- Topic 11: Techniques for Effective Testimony in Deposition
- Topic 12: Inside Information About Attorneys for Expert Deponents
- Topic 13: Value of the Expert Attending an Opposing Expert's Deposition
- Module 10: Pretrial
-
Module 11: Trial
- Topic 1: Definition of a Trial
- Topic 2: Types of Evidence
-
Topic 3: Relevancy of Evidence
- QUESTION 3
- QUESTION 4
- Topic 4: Requirements for Evidence Admissibility
-
Topic 5: Pretrial Motions
- QUESTION 8
- QUESTION 9
- Motions in Limine & Forensics
- QUESTION 10
- Topic 6: Sequestration
- Topic 7: Use of an Expert Witness at Trial
-
Topic 8: Direct Examination
- QUESTION 13
- QUESTION 14
- A Typical Balance Struck by FRE
- QUESTION 15
- Criminal Defendant Can Be Confronted by Accusers
- QUESTION 16
- The Structure of Direct Examination
- QUESTION 17
- Consequences of Not Dealing With Weaknesses
- Exhibits and Visual Aids
- Referring to Notes or the Report
- QUESTION 18
- The Expert's Role
- Effective Expert Testimony
- Five Main Parts of Direct Testimony
- Seven Fundamentals for the Effective Expert
- Important Traits That Enhance Expert Witness Credibility
- Teaching Skills and Direct Examination
- Important Points to Remember for Direct Examination
- Key Advice Learned by Experience
- More Observations for the Effective Expert Witness
- Tone of Voice
- Enhancing Direct Examination
- Qualities of Effective Direct Examination
- Tips for Trial Testimony
- Becoming a Better Witness
- Simplifying the Complex During Direct Examination
- The Attorney's Role
- Visual Aids
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Topic 9: Cross-Examination
- Effective Tips for Cross-Examination
- QUESTION 19
- Impeachment in Context of Forensics
- QUESTION 20
- Seven Key Traits for Successful Cross-Examination
- Preparation for Cross-Examination
- Addressing Claims of "Junk Science"
- Further Preparation Points for Cross-Examination
- Use of Hypothetical Questions
- Important Points to Remember During Cross-Examination
- More Ways to Reduce Vulnerability on Cross-Examination
- Examiner Techniques on Cross-Examination
- Body Language
- Additional Examiner Techniques
- The Attorney's Role
- Topic 10: The Fact Finder (Jury)
- Topic 11: Jury Instructions
- Module 12: Post-Trial, Pre-Sentencing
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Module 13: Ethics for Experts
- Topic 1: Ethical Issues
- Topic 2: Ethical Problems
- Topic 3: Ethical Violations
- Topic 4: Methods of Challenging Forensic Fraud and Unethical Behavior
- Topic 5: Improving Expert and Counsel Relationships
- Topic 6: Ethics Codes and the Expert's Ethical Obligations
- Topic 7: Expert Malpractice
- Topic 8: Serious Deficiencies in U.S. Forensic Science
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