Becoming an Effective Expert Witness in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Cases
This is a collaborative training provided by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, End Domestic Abuse WI and Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA).
This multiple-day training is a combination of virtual and in-person sessions to provide victim advocates with a robust toolkit for becoming expert witnesses in sexual assault and domestic violence cases. The sessions will focus on utilizing victim advocates’ experience working with victim as the foundation for their expertise. Three virtual learning sessions will prepare participants for a regional in-person session where advocates will practice providing expert testimony with prosecutors. Participants will be required to attend all virtual sessions to participate in the in-person practical experience.
Who is this training for: This training is open to anyone interested in gaining expert witness testimony experience and knowledge related to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault cases.
The In-Person Practical session is specific for training Victim Advocates as expert witnesses.
In-Person Practical Experience will be held regionally in May-June 2022 - dates to be determined.
Please Note: Only participants who attended all three virtual sessions will be invited to attend one of several regional in-person trainings.
At the in-person training, participants will:
- Be provided with case study examples for which their expert testimony will be used to educate a fictional jury in court;
- Work in groups with prosecutors to identify case issues, topic areas for expert testimony, and general questions they will answer;
- Have an opportunity to prepare for and practice providing expert testimony, with feedback and suggestions to improve their efficacy as an expert.
Session 1 - March 3, 2022 - Virtual Session
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
This session is focused on what it takes to become an expert witness in the criminal justice system and will help participants gain confidence in their abilities to provide expert testimony in domestic violence and sexual assault cases.
Participants will learn:
- The factors a court will consider when deciding whether to qualify a witness as an expert;
- To develop specific areas of their curriculum vitae with an emphasis on including expert witness qualifications;
- A deeper understanding of how training and experience can relate to one’s expertise and how to present those qualifications when testifying in court;
- The nuts and bolts of becoming an expert witness in court, including information about rate of pay and contracts.
Session Two- March 10, 2022 - Virtual Session
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Collaborating to Prepare to Testify
This session is focused on preparing an advocate for providing expert testimony in domestic violence and sexual assault cases.
Participants will learn how to:
- Collaborate with the prosecutor in developing a direct examination that addresses the issues in the case;
- Communicate your knowledge and experience with the prosecutor;
- Connect with the prosecutor to discuss the substance of potential expert testimony;
- Work with the prosecutor in developing the appropriate wording of questions based upon your expertise and the issues of the case;
- Identify common areas for expert testimony and develop model answers to fully educate a jury on the issues in the case.
Session Three- March 17, 2022 - Virtual Session
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
The In-Court Testifying Experience
This session is focused on the in-court experience of an expert witness.
Participants will learn:
- Practical tips on testifying effectively in court;
- How to prepare for cross-examination by opposing counsel;
- An understanding of the expert witness’ role at a Daubert hearing (hearing to qualify a witness as an expert and accept the topic proper subject matter for expert testimony)
REGISTER TO ATTEND
Questions?
WI Department of Justice
Questions on Registration?
Contact Stacy Lenz at
P: (608) 616 2338
Email:
lenzse@doj.state.wi.us