NCJ Number
112904
Date Published
1987
Length
82 pages
Annotation
Designed for the beginning prosecutor, this discussion of trial preparation addresses first steps in trial preparation, the use and development of available information, witness interviews, examination of the departing or absent witness, and finalizing preparation.
Abstract
A review of the first steps in trial preparation considers these basic functions: mastering all case facts, digesting applicable law, critically analyzing the case from both sides, formulating a trial preparation plan, and organizing for trial. After outlining the general principles for the use and development of available information, a list of sources of useful information is provided, along with the information likely to be found at each source. The paper then discusses procedures for developing information through prosecutorial discovery, by court order, and through subpoenas. A discussion of witness interviewing focuses on preparation for the interview, whom to interview, where to conduct the interview, when and how to interview, the content of the interview, and taking statements from defendants. After reviewing statutory mechanisms for examining the departing or absent witness, a checklist for finalizing preparation is provided, along with a cautionary word about jury selection. Appendixes provide supplementary material on witness interviewing, a witness review sheet, a model witness list, and a trial notebook.