NCJ Number
67074
Date Published
1976
Length
0 pages
Annotation
AIMED AT IMPROVING THE EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY OF PHYSICIANS AT CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT HEARINGS, THIS FILM DEMONSTRATES THE INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES AND CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED IN THE COURTROOM.
Abstract
PRESENTED IN TWO SETTINGS, THE FILM OPENS WITH A PRETRIAL BRIEFING OF A PHYSICIAN WITNESS BY THE PROSECUTED ATTORNEY AND CONTINUES IN THE COURTROOM WHERE THE TESTIMONY IS GIVEN. THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY OUTLINES STEPS IN THE PROCEDURE FROM ESTABLISHING EXPERT WITNESS QUALIFICATIONS THROUGH INITIAL TESTIMONY TO CROSS-EXAMINATION. THE WITNESS IS ENCOURAGED TO RELAX, OFFER UNEQUIVOCAL STATEMENTS OF HIS EXPERT OPINION, REFER TO HIS NOTES ON THE CASE, AND QUALIFY RESPONSES TO THE DEFENSE ATTORNEY WITH EXPLANATORY INFORMATION. THE COURTROOM SCENE FOCUSES ON THE PHYSICIAN'S ABILITY TO AFFIRM HIS QUALIFICATIONS AND SUPPORT HIS CONCLUSIVE DIAGNOSIS UNDER CROSS-QUESTIONING. (MRK)