Courtroom Testimony for the Forensic Scientist July 30-31, 2009
Lawrence Quarino, Ph.D., Director of Forensic Science Program, Cedar Crest College
Robert P. Biancavilla, J.D, Suffolk County (NY) District Attorney’s Office
This two-day workshop will begin with a discussion of the concepts of legal and scientific proof and the ethical dilemmas often poised to scientific expert witnesses during courtroom testimony. Examples of ethical dilemmas typically encountered by forensic scientists during court testimony and in interactions with the criminal justice system will be discussed with suggestions for resolution provided. The role that professional codes of ethics play in resolution of ethical dilemmas will be offered.
The workshop will focus on proper pretrial preparation and direct and cross-examination of expert forensic witnesses. Instruction on expert testimony specific for common types of forensic evidence (e.g. DNA, blood alcohol) will be given. The effect of both the Frye and Daubert standards for the scientific admissibility of evidence on testimony dealing with various types of physical evidence will also be discussed. The instructors will provide opportunity for participants to engage in direct and cross examination.
Finally, the workshop will review important practical criteria useful in persuasive and effective expert witness testimony during trial. The workshop will review recent studies assessing the effect of pay, frequency of testimony and expert credentials on the perceptions of expert testimony on juries.
Registration Fee: $200.00
NEAFS Members Registration Only: Forensic Scientist
January 19, 2009 - March 9, 2009
Full Registration: March 10, 2009 - July 16, 2009
Maximum Number of Registrants: 30 THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL