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Law Enforcement Technology March 2014 www.officer.com
T R A I N I N G
I
t is commonly believed that
competence in a particular field of
expertise automatically translates to
success on the witness stand. In reality,
the scientific realm is often vastly
different from the seemingly inexplicable
machinations associated with a criminal
or civil trial. While the expert has
considerable control over what happens
in the laboratory setting, the same
cannot be said for the courtroom. As
with many challenges, preparation is the
key to success.
Experts who spend years developing
and honing their scientific knowledge,
and little or no time learning the skills
of being an expert witness, are denying
expert witnesses
for the stand
Unfortunately, professional competence in your field
does not always translate to the courtroom
B Y J O N A T H A N W . H A K , Q . C .
How to prepare
LET_20-23_Witness0314.indd 20 2/24/14 10:36 AM