Unit 21 Lesson Plan--Court
UNIT 21.0 LESSON PLAN
TESTIFYING IN COURT
Module 21.1
Preparation For Testifying In Court
1:75
J.K. Test #5
4 Test Items
UNIT OUTLINE AND PRESENTATION: NOTES:
Performance Objective: Discuss common reasons why a corrections 1 test item
21.1.1 officer would be required to testify in court.
Found evidence
Witness to a crime that occurred
Within the jail
Victim of a crime
Civil case where agency is defended in
Lawsuit
1. Working in a correctional facility does not exempt officers from appearing
In court. There will be instances when testifying is necessary and the
Officer needs to be prepared for any occasion. The most common instances
For testifying are:
a. Found evidence
b. Witness to a crime that occurred in jail
Identify the roles of the key figures in Court
21.1.1 (e.g., attorneys, judge, marshal, bailiff, court 2 test items
clerk).
1. Define courtroom personnel Student Manual
a. Judge
b. Attorneys
Performance Objective: Identify the consequences of poor performance 28% time frame
21.1.2 in Court by a corrections officer. For example: 3 test items
. Poor performance may undermine the
court's confidence in the corrections officer
. Poor performance may result in the dismissal
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of charges
. Failure to show up could result in a "contempt
of court" charge, and possible fine or
jail sentence
. Disciplinary action against officer
1. When the officer appears in court they are representing their agency Student Manual
and should be prepared to testify. The correctional officers testimony
may be the difference between conviction and acquittal.
2. The officer is expected to testify as a professional or expert in their field.
Failing to property prepare may cause the officers to look ill
prepared on the stand and may lead the court and jury to believe
the officer is incompetent.
a. The court may also lose confidence in the abilities
of the officer, which in turn may discredit other members
of their department or the agency as a whole.
b. Lack of preparation or poor performance may also cause
the court to dismiss or reduce charges because the officer
cannot articulate what occurred or they don't remember the
specific details of the case.
3. If the officer fails to report for a subpoena several actions can also
occur.
a. The charges may be dismissed against the defendant.
b. The officer may be subject to disciplinary action by their
respective agency. Failing to respond to a subpoena is
the same as failing to report for duty.
c. Contempt charges may be placed by the Court
d. Again the failure to appear may reflect negatively on the officer,
agency, and other employees.
Performance Objective: Identify the principles for appearing in Court 57% time
frame
21.1.3 5 test items
. Follow department dress code
. Prior to your appearance, contact the district
attorney who has called you to Court
. Review the case prior to our appearance
. Review district attorney and defense attorney's
questions prior to your appearance
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. Do not discuss the case with anyone by the DA or
investigating officer
. Answer questions briefly and honestly
. Do not argue with the defense attorney
. Be prepared to say, "I don't know"
. Do not offer confidential information
. Bring all pertinent reports dealing with case
1. During Courtroom appearance you need to be prepared.
a. Write a good report
b. Report to court in the appropriate attire.
c. Contact the District Attorney
d. Don't discuss the case with others, notify the D.A. if you are
subpoenaed by the defense attorney as well prior to talking
with the defense attorney.
e. Answer the attorney's questions briefly and honestly.
f. Be professional at all times.
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Module 21.2
COURT APPEARANCES
2:15
J.K. Test #42
B.S. Test #9
2 Test Items
UNIT OUTLINE AND PRESENTATION: NOTES:
Performance Objective: Identify the steps to be taken the actual day of the 40% time
frame
21.2.1 court appearance: 2 test items
. Check to confirm that appearance is
going to be required that day
. See District Attorney
. Go to courtroom
. Wait for name to be called
. Swear in
. Review reports
. Review photos if available
1. Court appearance Student Manual
VIDEO
a. Confirm that your appearance is needed
b. See the District Attorney and your their questions and your testimony.
This may occur before the actual court day, so make sure you contact
him on the court day as well. Be prepared.
c. Be on time
d. Wait outside the courtroom unless otherwise directed. Do not discuss
the case with anyone.
e. Review your reports just prior to testimony. Clarify with the D.A. before
entering the courtroom if you may take your reports to the stand with you.
f. Review pictures, evidence, weapons, etc. prior to testimony. Know
what you are talking about.
g. Stand and be sworn in by Bailiff or Court Clerk.
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Performance Objective: Given verbal descriptions of a corrections officer's 40% time
frame
21.2.2 appearance and behavior in court, demonstrate B.S. Test #9
examples of good and poor courtroom dress and
demeanor. For example:
. addressing the judge
. where and how to sit
. procedure for being sworn in
. wearing department uniform
. promptness
1. Appearance and behavior in court Student Manual
a. Address the judge appropriately.
b. Once called to testify , sit in the witness box.
c. Swearing in
d. Ensure you wear the proper attire according to Departmental policy.
e. Be on time, this will allow you to find the court room, attorney's and time to
review your reports.
f. Don't smack or chew gum on the stand.
2. Students will participate in practicals to get an understanding of good and
poor courtroom dress and demeanor.
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