Criminal Trial Preparation and Presentation for Criminal Justice Professionals

A comprehensive and accessible textbook for a one semester course on criminal case preparation and evidence presentation, this timely volume provides a complete understanding of the necessary skills and techniques required of a successful prosecutor. Analyzing proven methods, it discusses gathering and organizing evidence, preparing witnesses to testify, and assembling exhibits prior to trial to assure a logical and persuasive presentation to establish proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Foundations of a Successful ProsecutionFacts, Not OpinionsRules of Evidence and ProcedureDeveloping Sufficient and Persuasive Case TheoriesCase AnalysisThinking Through Defense TheoriesUnderstanding the Jury InstructionsEthical Obligations for Investigators and ProsecutorsMajor Steps in the InvestigationNature of Criminal InvestigationsInvestigative TechniquesInterviewingGrand Jury Subpoenas and TestimonyInvestigative Procedures Required for Admissibility of EvidenceFourth Amendment Search and SeizureIdentification of the Offender Description and IdentificationCompelling the Defendant to Furnish EvidenceInvestigative Report WritingComponents of an Investigative ReportOrganizationAccurate Case DocumentationFactsInferences and Conclusory LanguageConcisenessFocus on TrialConfessions and Witness StatementsFifth AmendmentDocumenting Witness StatementsHandling Informants and AccomplicesWitness ControlLeniency and Immunity IssuesWitness CredibilityPhysical Evidence and the Chain of CustodyScientific Analysis by the LaboratoryRecent Supreme Court CasesPreparing for TrialDiscoveryBrady, Giglio, the Jencks Act, and Rule 16Task ListDelegation of DutiesFocus on EssentialsKnow Your JudgeRules of EvidenceDirect and Cross ExaminationHearsayImpeachmentAdmissibility of Electronic EvidenceTypes of Electronic EvidenceFoundations for Electronic EvidenceSpecial Considerations with Electronic EvidenceOrganizing Exhibits and Witness TestimonyMarshalling the EvidenceExhibitsDemonstrative EvidenceEffective Trial Notebooks and WorkbooksTestifying at a Motion to Suppress Evidence HearingPurpose of Motion to SuppressProcedureImpact on Trial PresentationTestifying before a Judge and a JuryCourtroom ProceduresCourtroom Demeanor and AttireTestifying during Direct ExaminationTestifying about Qualifications, Experience, and TrainingHandling ExhibitsTestifying During Cross ExaminationDefense Counsel Courtroom TacticsTestifying during Redirect ExaminationProfessionalismPresentation of Evidence in Complex ProsecutionsMajor Case ManagementVisual AidsAudio Tapes and TranscriptsUse of Technology at TrialElectronic CourtroomDigital EvidenceCreating Link Analysis and TimelinesElectronic Bates StampInvestigative File Inventory