Topic 15

Criminal Justice 2011

Chapter 15:

Professionalism and Preparation for Court Class Name, Instructor Name Date, Semester

CHAPTER SUMMARY 15.1

Describe the role of the investigator in court.

15.2

Outline the steps investigators take to prepare for court.

15.3

: Describe appropriate courtroom demeanor and conduct during testimony.

15.4

Summarize investigator ethics and misconduct.

Learning Objectives

After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome

15.1

Describe the role of the investigator in court.

15.1

The Role of the Investigator in Court

The investigator is the conduit for information…

15.1

Court Processes

Pre-trial Hearings

Preliminary Hearings

Trials

Sentencing Hearing

15.1

The Role of the Investigator in Court

Investigator

Prosecutor

Learning Objectives

After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome

15.2

Outline the steps investigators take to prepare for court.

15.2

Preparing for Court

Review notes and reports

Review all evidence, including photos and mug shot Revisit the scene if possible

Meet with the prosecutor prior to testifying

Add picture of a Police report

15.2

Preparing for Court

Investigators may also be required to prepare witnesses and victims prior to hearings or trial.

15.2

Court Etiquette

A few rules…

Be on time and know where you are going

Don’t discuss the case in public or with someone you don’t know

Treat everyone with respect… you might be talking with the defense attorney or a jurror

Dress appropriately

Don’t discuss your personal life – it may come up in court!!!

Learning Objectives

After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome

15.3

Describe appropriate courtroom demeanor and conduct during testimony.

15.3

Courtroom Etiquette Be yourself, not stiff or robotic, don’t try to be humorous

Address everyone formally: Your honor, sir, m'am, the defendant, Mr. Jones, etc…

Look at the person who is asking the question, then look at the fact finder (judge or jury) when answering

Don’t drink water, even if it is offered, sit up straight, and don’t use slang unless you are quoting someone

15.3

Courtroom Testimony: #1 Rule

Tell the Truth!

15.3

Testimony

Defense attorneys learn how to capitalize on officer’s mistakes in court, here are some strategies to avoid mistakes:

Confine testimony to facts

Avoid expressing opinions unless asked

Don’t volunteer information answer only the question

Speak calmly even if unnerved

Use plain, simple language – no police slang

Keep your composure (never lose your temper)

Learning Objectives

After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome

15.4

Summarize investigator ethics and misconduct.

15.4

Investigator Ethics

Determining the truth

VS

Obtaining a conviction

15.4

Investigator Ethics

Ethical Investigative Methods Following the rules of evidence Following search and seizure rules Testifying truthfully

15.4

Investigator Ethics

Unethical Investigative Methods Omitting exculpatory information in reports or while testifying “Fudging” on reports

Exaggerating facts or misrepresenting facts Manufacturing evidence or lying during testimony

15.4

The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics

15.4

Investigator Misconduct Suspension

Termination from the department

Sued in state civil court or federal court under 42 USC Section 1983 Add picture of A person in jail or a Jail cell here please

Criminal Prosecution

14.5

Investigating Computer Crime

CHAPTER REVIEW 15.1

Describe the role of the investigator in court.

15.2

Outline the steps investigators take to prepare for court.

15.3

: Describe appropriate courtroom demeanor and conduct during testimony.

15.4

Summarize investigator ethics and misconduct.