NIJ Training: Communication Skills, Report Writing, and Courtroom Testimony for Forensic Analysts
This course provides information in the three lessons.
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.
Law 101
For additional training, Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert gives a comprehensive discussion of recommended practices for the forensic expert to follow when preparing for and testifying in court.
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
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If you have taken any courses offered through DNA.gov, use your same login and password to access this course.
