the role and responsibilities of an expert witness一个专家证人的角色和责任qkza34bm.ppt

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Do not deny. Do not deny if you had discussed certain issues with your Lawyer. Do not advocate. During breaks, do not be too “chummy” with your Lawyer, the Client or the court officials. * Do not wear out your welcome!!!! At the conclusion of your testimony, you will be given permission to leave. Leave the Courtroom, and if possible the Courthouse. Do not hang around with the spectators! * THE END!!! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Now is the time to discuss the financial aspects of your response: Time, research efforts, travel and accommodation and the costs of demonstrative evidence. * Sometimes in criminal cases, “your” lawyer may subpoena you to appear. This is usually due to tactical reasons: It gives good assurance that you will be there. It also helps to give the appearance that you are not only there because it is your job or that you are being compensated ( Both of which may be true also!) * ELEMENTS OF TESTIMONY Direct examination or examination-in-chief: During direct examination, the Witness is examined by the party who called him/her. It may be used to weaken the opponent’s case, or to strengthen or weaken the credibility of other witnesses. * Cross examination: The cross-examination is a critical part of the adversial process. Cross-examination is confrontational and is supposed to be the test of credibility. The purpose of cross-examination is to introduce alternative explanations, weaken the credibility of the witness, find support for the opponent’s theory, and clarify ( or confuse!) the issues. Therefore cross-examination is the worst part of giving evidence. * * A good cross-examiner may make the most truthful witness appear uncertain and confused. It may sometimes appear as if the cross-examines may be attacking the expert witness personally, but it is only the e