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.