Courtroom Testimony: A Practical Skills Workshop for Police and Other Law Enforcement Professionals 2022
Program Chair(s)
Robert Montrose
Detective/Sergeant, Metro Toronto Police Force (retired)
Your testimony can make or break a case. Are you ready?
Testifying in Court can be very daunting. There is a lot riding on your performance. In one intensive day, you will get the knowledge and practical skills you need to meet this challenge head on.
In this interactive OsgoodePD program, led by a senior police instructor, you will hear from an expert faculty of judges, Crown Attorneys and defence counsel on what it takes to prepare for and provide bullet-proof testimony in court.
Using a criminal case fact scenario, you will break into small groups and participate in a hearing in which you will give evidence in direct examination and on cross-examination. Our expert faculty will provide you with feedback on a variety of topics including effective communication techniques and how to avoid bad habits.
You will leave with practical tips and strategies that you can apply with confidence the next time you are required to testify in court.
Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded morning program.
What You’ll Learn
Preparing for your day in court – what you need to know to make the most of your testimony (taking effective notes, how to review your notes, how ton review the evidence, etc.)
Understanding the role of the Crown and what they can and can’t do for you
Strategies for mastering the direct examination
Expert tips from experienced defence counsel on what to expect on cross examination
Const. Gregory Scott
Halton Regional Police
“This course is a must for any officer. It not only highlights the value of taking detailed notes but also helps clearly define the officer’s role in the trial process.”
Who Should Attend
Police (all members)
Other Law Enforcement Professionals
Faculty
Program Chairs
Robert Montrose
Detective/Sergeant, Metro Toronto Police Force (retired)
Instructors
Lisa Henderson
former Crown Counsel, Ministry of the Attorney General (Ontario)
The Hon. Justice Rick Libman
Ontario Court of Justice
Robert Montrose
Detective/Sergeant, Metro Toronto Police Force (retired)
Joanne Prince
Barrister & Solicitor
Program Agenda
Robert Montrose
Detective/Sergeant
Metro Toronto Police Force (retired)
Lisa Henderson
Counsel, Crown Law Office
Ministry of the Attorney General (Ontario)
Understanding the relationship you have with the Crown is a key element of being fully prepared to testify in court. Failure to recognize the significance of that relationship and the obligations and limitations set upon the Crown can potentially jeopardize the effectiveness of your testimony. In this session, an experienced Crown Attorney will examine the roles of each party in the process.
Robert Montrose
Detective/Sergeant
Metro Toronto Police Force (retired)
What do you need to do to ensure that you are adequately prepared to testify? Gain an in-depth understanding from a senior police instructor on what steps to take immediately when you’ve been
called to court.
What are effective police notes and how to review them
How to best review the evidence (videos, photographs, business documents, witness statements, victim statements and any statements given by the accused)
Performing a walk through of the investigation and answering all of the important questions: Why did I do what I did? Why did I do it when I did it? What was my authority for doing so?
Meeting with the Crown prior to the hearing to discuss the case and any potentially problematic issues.
10:45 a.m.
Break
Moderator:
Robert Montrose
Detective/Sergeant
Metro Toronto Police Force (retired)
Panelists: Lisa Henderson
Counsel, Crown Law Office
Ministry of the Attorney General (Ontario)
The Hon. Justice Rick Libman
Ontario Court of Justice
Joanne Prince
Barrister & Solicitor
In this session, you will hear from all parties involved in the process as they discuss best practices in giving evidence during direct examination and on cross-examination. An experienced Crown Attorney will outline key strategies for providing effective testimony during direct examination. You will also hear from defence counsel as they pull back the curtain to reveal how to best anticipate and handle different types of scenarios you may encounter on cross examination. The session will close with a judge’s perspective on how to maximize the impact of your testimony.
12:30 p.m.
Lunch break (Program ends for those only in the morning session)
In this hands-on, intensive workshop, you will have a valuable opportunity to hone your testimony skills and benefit from personalized feedback from an experienced faculty of judges, Crown Attorneys and defence counsel.
Using a realistic criminal case fact scenario, you will break into small groups and participate in a hearing in which you will give evidence in direct examination and on cross-examination. Instructors will provide you with feedback on a variety of topics, including:
Effective communication techniques (word choice, composure, body language, etc.)
Bad habits and how to avoid them
Dealing with different types of defence counsel
You will leave with practical tips and strategies you can apply with confidence the next time you are required to testify in court.
NOTE: There will be a 15 minute break during this session.
As law evolves, we know how important it is to stay up to date. We also understand the financial implications of continuously upgrading your professional skills and knowledge. For more information on available options, including Job Grants, OSAP, please visit:
Disclosure Facilitator, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
“Very well organized. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to interact with the Crowns and defence lawyers.”
CPD and Accreditation
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OsgoodePD programs can be counted towards professional development requirements with regulatory bodies across Canada and the US. OsgoodePD is an accredited provider of professionalism content with the LSO. OsgoodePD is an accredited provider with the Law Society of British Columbia. Please email cpd@osgoode.yorku.ca or refer to your regulatory body to ensure compliance – online program viewing varies by jurisdiction.
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