Successful Use of Informants and Criminals as Witnesses for the Prosecution in a Criminal Case (From Prosecution of Public Corruption Cases, P 115-133, 1988, U.S. Department of Justice -- See NCJ-110010)

• NCJ Number: 110019
• Author(s): S S Trott
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-110010.

Annotation

This paper examines issues and strategies relating to the successful use of crime-involved individuals and other informants in criminal prosecutions.

Abstract

Following a discussion of the credibility and management problems involved in the use of such witnesses, guidelines are provided for the initial contact between accomplice or informant and the prosecutor, negotiating a deal, documentation of the agreement, extracting information from the witness, testing and corroborating the witness' story, and managing the witness' environment. Trial tactics then are discussed, including motions in limine, voir dire, opening statements, jury instructions, direct examination, corroboration, witness preparation for cross-examination, and final and rebuttal arguments. Emphasis is placed on the importance of corroborating evidence and the informant's motives in cooperating as a means for enhancing witness credibility and successful prosecution.