Individual examiners and teams face many challenges as they work to conduct
compassionate and thorough forensic medical evidentiary exams. One of the most
difficult challenges they face is not in the exam room, but in the courtroom. Research
literature on stress lists testifying in court as a major cause of stress below
death of a family member, divorce, and being victimized by interpersonal violence. Fear
of testifying in court is also listed by potential examiners as a factor inhibiting them from
entering the field of forensic medicine and nursing.
Given the inhibiting nature of providing courtroom testimony by many professionals,
CCFMTC developed a courtroom communications course that combines classroom
instruction and interactive classroom practice with experienced coaches and mentors.
The training program can be offered as a one-day basic course in courtroom
communications with a maximum class size of 40 or a two-day advanced courtroom
communications course. The two-day course is organized for specific jurisdictions, upon
request, to link up examiners with local deputy district attorneys for a mock trial training
experience.
In both classes, participants will: acquire expert courtroom skills in testifying and
handling cross examination questions; learn to effectively qualify themselves as an
expert witness and handle the voir dire process; and attain hands-on courtroom skills
to increase their ability to perform this work as healthcare providers specializing in this
field.
Course ObjectivesAfter attending this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Develop communication skills for the courtroom
Learn how to listen to questions, give non-verbal acknowledgment, and provide
succinct, appropriate responses.
- Channel Nervous Energy
Learn how to harness and channel nervous energy into a positive presentation.
- Tell the Truth
Learn the difference between scientific and legal truth. Students will learn the
importance of testifying to their perception of truth.
- Circles of Communication
Learn how to keep the three elements of thoughts, feelings, and behavior in
alignment for more effective communication.
- Audience Retention Curve
Learn methods to keep the jury attentive and focused on your testimony.
- Communication Styles
Learn how to make your own communications style, as well as those of the jury,
work to your benefit.
- Encoding/Decoding
Learn how you can help jurors understand and remember your technical
testimony.
- Mock Trial
Acquire expert courtroom skills in testifying and handling cross examination
questions; learn to effectively qualify yourself as an expert witness; and attain
actual hands-on courtroom skills in a mock trial setting.
