Program Chair
Lisa Henderson
former Crown Counsel, Ministry of the Attorney General (Ontario)
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, 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.
In an information packed morning session (available for individual purchase), you will drill down on the essentials of how to prepare and give evidence in court.
In the afternoon, you will participate in the Courtroom Testimony Skills Workshop. During this live session, you will have a unique opportunity to hone your testimony skills and benefit from personalized feedback from an experienced faculty of judges, Crown Attorneys defence counsel.
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.
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 to 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
Who Should Attend
Police (all officers and civilian members)
Other Law Enforcement Professionals
Faculty
Program Chair
Lisa Henderson
former Crown Counsel, Ministry of the Attorney General (Ontario)
Instructors
The Hon. Justice Rick Libman
Ontario Court of Justice
Julia Kushnir
Defence Lawyer, Julia Kushnir Law
Maeve Mungovan
Counsel, Law Enforcement Complaints Agency, Ministry of the Attorney General (Ontario)
Detective Sergeant Eric Pinkerton
Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, Ontario Provincial Police
Lorne Sabsay
Sabsay Lawyers
Richard Stern
Barrister & Solicitor
Warren Thompson
former Assistant Crown Attorney, Ministry of the Attorney General (Ontario)
Normand Légaré
Enforcement Officer, ECCC
“A very good program which should be provided to all officers.”
Agenda
Welcome and Introduction from the Program Chair (9:00 a.m ET)
Break (10:45 a.m. ET)
Lunch break (Program ends for those only in the morning session) (12:30 p.m. ET)
Program Ends (4:45 p.m. ET)
Register
May 9, 2025
Courtroom Testimony: Morning Sessions only.
$395 + TAX
Time
9:00 a.m – 12:30 p.m (ET)
Printable registration form
If a downloadable form is required, please contact OsgoodePD@osgoode.yorku.ca.
“Is financial assistance or funding available?”
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:
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.”
CPD and Accreditation
OsgoodePD is an accredited provider with the LSO, the Law Society of BC and NY CLE Board. Select your location to view the eligible hours you may claim.
| Substantive (Morning Session) | 2h 40m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism (Morning Session) | 45m |
| Total (Morning Session) | 3h 25m |
| Substantive | 5h 55m |
| Professionalism | 45m |
| Total | 6h 40m |
| Substantive | 5h 55m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | 45m |
| Total | 6h 40m |
Are you reporting hours from a previous date?
View our CPD & Accreditation page to see previously calculated hours for this course.
Deeper Learning Opportunities
LLMs
Are you a law graduate or an executive/senior professional with at least 5 years of specialized experience? Consider a full-time or part-time LLM degree.
Part-time LLMs Full-time LLMsThe Osgoode Certificate
Stay competitive with deep dives into the most critical issues in law. Taught by leading experts and designed for flexible learning, choose from multi-day programs or take courses at your own pace to build towards a certificate.
Explore certificatesSingle Course Enrollment
Do you have an LLB/JD? Consider taking a single LLM course for deeper learning in a specific area of practice – all credits will apply towards a Professional LLM.
Explore LLM coursesFrequently Asked Questions
Client and Technical Support
Have questions? Get advice in person, by email or over the phone.
Program content questions
Stéphane McRoberts, Program Lawyer
smcroberts@osgoode.yorku.ca
Registration questions
Technical support
Online Technical Requirements
To ensure you do not encounter any issues that will impact or limit your learning experience, please review the following information.