NCJ Number
139976
Date Published
1985
Length
870 pages
Annotation
This handbook provides a step-by-step description of procedures and techniques for the trial lawyer to use in preparation for and conduct of the defense of a client in a criminal case.
Abstract
This second edition expands and updates the first edition with 10 chapters on new investigative techniques, including electronic eavesdropping, voiceprints, tapes and other sound evidence, and hypnosis. Other defense preparation techniques described are the tracing of missing witnesses; using public records; selecting and locating experts; surveillance; operation of the polygraph; and the analysis of physical evidence such as glass, fabrics, hair, blood, seminal fluid, metal, bullets, photographs, powder burns, written documents, firearms, and fingerprints. Other chapters focus on defense preparation techniques for particular types of cases, specifically those that involve charges related to narcotics, homicide, poisoning, forgery, arson, vehicular homicide, and burglary. Other chapters address the presentation and order of proof, preparation of witnesses, pretrial proceedings and exclusionary hearings, and the preparation of complex criminal and insanity defense cases. Another new chapter on media relations contains instructions on how to prepare the client and effectively handle the press. Other chapters deal with the cross-examination of the prosecution's police and expert witnesses. Chapter bibliographies, a 168-item general bibliography, appended supplementary information, and a subject index