Goal #9 Objective D


Objective D:
Without the use of the course text or class notes, the student will identify aspects of effective testimony.
Effective testimony, within the scope of criminal investigation, is an accurate presentation of evidence by the investigator in court. The investigator must obtain the evidence lawfully and the evidence must meet the criteria outlined in objective C (relevant, material, and competent).

Osterburg identifies two critical points to effective testimony

understandable testimony -
The investigator will be asked to respond to questions by both prosecution and defense. It is important that the investigator assertively speak audibly and clearly.

believable testimony -
No one has a recipe on how to always be believable. However, this doesn't mean that an investigator can't control certain things that can add to credibility.

The investigator who has firsthand knowledge of the details of the case, who does not have to refer to notes, and whose facts square with common sense.

Additionally, an investigator who answers strictly "yes" to prosecutor's questions and "no" to defense questions may appear overzealous.

It is best to avoid categorically answering "NO" to questions from defense. Instead when being ask "Isn't it possible..." questions, the investigator might appear more believable if an answer like "Yes, but I do not believe the facts support the likelihood of that having happened."

Also, remember what happened in the Simpson case when a detective said categorically that he had not used a particular word in the last 10 years.


Continue to Goal #9 - Objective E.
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