Mastering the Art of Evidence in Chief - Live at Your Desk

Introduction

TV dramas often focus on the theatre of cross-examination. However, the art of evidence in chief is an often neglected and less well understood area of courtroom advocacy.

This virtual classroom session is intended to provide an intense focus on not just how to examine a witness in chief, but how to do it well. A thoughtful, considered and well-planned evidence in chief can neutralise potential areas of cross examination. Incomplete evidence in chief can leave a witness exposed before opposition counsel even rise to their feet.

As well as evidence in chief of witnesses, this course will consider the separate approach required when conducting evidence in chief of a defendant. The defendant occupies a unique position within the trial process, requiring a tailored approach to his or her evidence.

This session is intended for advocates who have a little advocacy experience under their belt, but are seeking to refine and improve their advocacy techniques.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive course will cover the following:

• How to settle a witness down and ensure they give their best evidence
• Question construction - how to avoid leading and which questions to avoid
• Leading your own witness - can I do it and how do I do it?
• Structure - should I deal with certain areas first or leave them to the end?
• Expert witnesses - how should I approach them?
• Defendants - how to deal with silence, bad character, lies and any other issues your client might throw at you - or another witness!

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.