Online Courses for Forensic Experts
Reference Materials _ Expert Community Online Free Course Materials.pdfExpert Testimony Course
Expert Testimony Course
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has created a series of free, online training programs for forensic analysts on a variety of topics. One course is called Communication Skills, Report Writing, and Courtroom Testimony for Forensic Analysts. The NIJ course description is provided below:
- Communication Skills: Learn to choose the ideal modality for message delivery considering the purpose, location, and audience; effectively present technical information verbally; organize thoughts and create an extended outline before writing; and organize papers using bullet points.
- Report Writing. Learn requirements for an STR (Short Tandem Repeats) DNA report and guidelines for writing a good STR DNA report.
- Courtroom Testimony. Become familiar with courtroom structure and personnel within the court; basic courtroom procedures and protocols; rules of evidence, discovery, and admissibility; general qualifications to testify as an expert witness; appropriate demeanor and attire; how to present technical testimony and evidence; the ethical considerations when presenting DNA-related testimony and the impact of providing faulty or erroneous evidence; and basic techniques for handling hostile attorneys.
Law 101 Course
Law 101 Course
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has created a series of free, online training programs for forensic analysts on a variety of topics. One course is called Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert. The NIJ course description consists of thirteen modules:
- Sources of Scientific Evidence
- Report Writing and Supporting Documentation
- Importance of Case Preparation
- Subpoenas vs. Promises to Appear
- Affidavits
- Being a Court-Appointed Expert
- Discovery
- General Testifying Tips
- Depositions
- Pretrial
- Trial
- Post-Trial, Pre-Sentencing
- Ethics for Experts
Reference Materials _ Law 101 Online Free Course Materials.pdf