- 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
Demeanor
Home > Communicating Results > Courtroom Testimony > Demeanor
Professionalism, competency, objectivity, and integrity: these are the concepts that should come to mind when considering the appropriate demeanor to exhibit in court proceedings. Maintaining the integrity of the individual as well as the science involved is critical. “Yes, sir,” “no, sir,” “yes, Your Honor,” “no, Your Honor,” and the like are entirely appropriate.
Handling the Aggressive Attorney
Circumstances will certainly arise that will tempt the examiner to enter into a debate or confrontation with the attorney. There are more effective methods to deal with attorneys who create such circumstances. It is important to remember that the attorney may be doing nothing more than intentionally trying to confuse or agitate the examiner during their testimony. The strategy has less to do with the substance of the testimony and more to do with demeanor and presentation to the jury.
Do
- remain professional and composed,
- remain objective,
- use volume and tone to deflect hostility,
- explain answers, if necessary.
Don’t
- become agitated or argumentative,
- permit the attorney to put words into your mouth,
- become personally invested in the case or its outcome.
