Technical Court Expert and Testimony

Description

Today, almost every investigation and court proceeding relies on evidence that is either sourced or derived from technology. The need to have expert witnesses that are well prepared and able to explain complex technological concepts to the court has never been more important. In this course, participants will:

• Learn the legal requirements for expert evidence
• Learn how to draft curriculum vitae and expert opinion or technical reports specific to an area of expertise
• Learn effective communication skills for court testimonies

Format and delivery

Length of course

8 days

Class size

maximum 16 students

Delivery setting

classroom

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Define the roles and responsibilities of the expert witness
• Outline the process that qualifies a person to become an expert
• Draft a Curriculum Vitae and an expert opinion report or technical report
• Describe the legal principles and relevant case law related to expert testimony and sensitive (protected) police tools or techniques
• Gather appropriate documentation and information in preparation for testimony
• Identify cross examination strategies and tactics
• Identify potential technical challenges
• Apply effective communication skills to convey complex technical concepts
• Define the difference between a novel opinion versus an opinion that is scientifically valid

The course includes a mock trial with a jury which will allow participants to apply the knowledge and communication skills acquired during the course.

Eligibility and mandatory requirements

This course is open to:

• Law enforcement officers and public service employees (civilian) of specialized units or sections who may be called as an expert witness to provide technical evidence or to write an expert opinion report or technical report.
  • Specialized units or sections in this context includes but is not limited to units such as technological crime (high-tech crime), cybercrime, child exploitation, lawful interception and covert access/intrusion.

Mandatory requirements:

• Candidates will need to submit their expert CV at least 21 days before the start of the course.
  • Note that the candidates will receive guidance and will have time to work on their expert CV before it is assessed and used in the mock trial.
• Candidates will need to submit either an expert opinion report or a technical report (e.g. smartphone extraction and analysis report) at least 21 days before the start of the course.
  • Note that the expert opinion report or technical report must be suitable for release and it will be used in the mock trial.
• Candidates will need to bring their own laptop computer so they can work on their CV and report.

Assessment

• To successfully complete this course, the candidate must fully participate and complete all required activities and assignments.
• The instructor(s) will evaluate the participants on their ability to:
  • Draft an expert CV
  • Draft an expert opinion report or technical report
  • Testify in a mock trial and defend their CV and report
• The instructor may conduct re-tests or re-evaluations at their discretion.

Contact

For more details or other information about the course, please email cpc_registrar-registraire_ccp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Date modified:

2024-02-09