Testifying in Court

When using graphics while testifying, which of the following guidelines DOES NOT APPLY?

• Make sure the jury can see your graphics.

• Practice using charts for courtroom testimony.

• Your exhibits must be clear and easy to understand.

• Make sure you have plenty of extra graphics, in case you have to explain more complex or supporting issues.

What expressions are NOT acceptable to use in testimony to respond to a question for which you have no answer?

• I don’t want to answer that question.

• That’s beyond the scope of my expertise.

• I wasn’t asked to investigate that.

• That’s beyond the scope of my investigation.

At trial as a fact or expert witness, what must you always remember about your testimony?

• You’re responsible for the outcome of the case.

• Your duty is to report your technical or scientific findings or render an honest opinion.

• Avoid mentioning how much you were paid for your services.

• All of the above

Before testifying, you should do which of the following?

• Create an examination plan with your retaining attorney.

• Get a haircut.

• Type all the draft notes you took during your investigation.

Voir dire is the process of qualifying a witness as an expert.

• True

• False

What is a motion in limine?

• A motion to dismiss the case

• The movement of molecules in a random fashion

• A pretrial motion for the purpose of excluding certain evidence

• A pretrial motion to revise the case schedule

During your cross-examination, you should NOT do which of the following?

• Maintain eye contact with the jury.

• Pay close attention to what your attorney is objecting to.

• Help the attorneys, judge, and jury in understanding the case, even if you have to go a bit beyond the scope of your expertise.

• Pay close attention to opposing counsel’s questions.

• Answer opposing counsel’s questions as briefly as is practical.

The most reliable way to ensure that jurors recall testimony is to do which of the following?

• Present evidence using oral testimony supported by hand gestures and facial expressions.

• Present evidence combining oral testimony and graphics that support the testimony.

• Wear bright clothing to attract jurors’ attention.

• Emphasize your points with humorous anecdotes.

• Memorize your testimony carefully.

If you’re giving an answer that you think your attorney should follow up on, what should you do?

• Change the tone of your voice.

• Argue with the attorney who asked the question.

• Use an agreed-on expression to alert the attorney to follow up on the question.

• Try to include as much information in your answer as you can.

When working for a prosecutor, what should you do if the evidence you found appears to be exculpatory and isn’t being released to the defense?

• Keep the information on file for later review.

• Bring the information to the attention of the prosecutor, then his or her supervisor, and finally to the judge (the court).

• Destroy the evidence.

• Give the evidence to the defense attorney.