- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Pretrial Preparation
Home > Communicating Results > Courtroom Testimony > Pretrial Preparation
The failure to prepare adequately for courtroom testimony can lead to disaster. Pretrial preparation begins upon receipt of the case. Ensuring that complete, accurate, and legible case file notes are documented will dramatically reduce the amount of pretrial preparation required and, most likely, the amount of time that the witness will remain on the stand.
Prior to giving any testimony the examiner should thoroughly review the entire case file along with any source or reference material contained in the case. The examiner should be prepared to answer questions about their laboratory standard operating procedure, proficiency testing, accreditation, and literature in the field that directly relates to the testing performed in the instant case.
Given the large body of literature in the field of firearm and toolmark identification, it would be impractical to know of every article, study, or text that addresses the subject. When confronted with an unfamiliar piece of scientific literature, one possible and not unreasonable response could be “I am not certain about the piece that you are referring to. However, if you have a copy, I would be happy to take a look at it.” Special note should be made that the response did nothing more than offer to look at the piece. It did not indicate that you could adequately digest and apply the substance to any further questions.
Additionally, the examiner should schedule a time to meet with the attorney and review the case file and test results. Do not expect the attorney to be fully versed in your field of expertise or know what questions he or she should ask. Additionally, the examiner should assist the attorney in the preparation of any exhibits or demonstrative aids that the witness expects to use. This entails not only the graphical presentation, but ensuring that the content is accurate. If using electronic methods such as PowerPoint, slides, videos, images, etc., you should practice and be prepared to use the media during trial. Witnesses must also be prepared for the worst case scenario during trial. For example, the witness should always have a backup method ready for use in the event of an unexpected technical problem.
