Class Location:
Jan Bashinski DNA Laboratory / CCI Richmond
Class Description:
This 3-day (24-hour) course is intended for criminalists with prior training and qualifications in forensic DNA analysis, as in case work, missing persons and data bank programs who are or may be called to testify in court. The first day will have detailed presentations on the court room process followed by presentations on courtroom style and strategies. The second and third days will be dedicated to moot court exercises with the participation as prosecution or defense of at least one attorney with experience in DNA issues in court. Students will be asked to bring examples of their work that will be used to make direct and cross examinations relevant to their current analytical work. Each class is limited to 14 persons.
Instructor:
Michael Chamberlain BFS Staff
Teaching Methods:
Classroom lectures on day 1. During days 2 and 3 moot court for each student might take up to 1 hour along the following sequence of exercises: 30 min moot court, followed by feed back and then going back for a shorter follow up moot court, to close with one final evaluation. Students will be required to briefly present their qualifications at the end of Day 1 to produce more specific simulations during the moot court exercise. Also, prior to the moot court students will be asked to prepare direct and challenging cross examination questions that they may expect to face at trial which then will be used at the discretion of the attorney(s).
Objectives:
Students will be required to demonstrate their proficiency in providing testimony in a moot court setting.
Prerequisites:
At least six months experience as a forensic or law enforcement specialist who might be called as a witness for the court.
Preparation:
Pre-course reading materials.
Materials Fee:
$50.00 Materials fee will be charged to all non-BFS students. This charge is due at the beginning of the class. Make check(s) payable to the California Department of Justice.
Tuition:
No cost to California public crime laboratory personnel. A $360.00 tuition fee is required for all other public agencies, private sector, or out of state applicants.
