Change to NIJ-hosted courses
Beginning in early August 2023, we are migrating this and other online courses hosted by NIJ to our main website, NIJ.ojp.gov. (See the complete list of affected courses). This course course will be migrated on September 27, 2023.
We are taking this step because the platform hosting these courses no longer is supported and we are unable to maintain it securely and effectively.
With this move, the content of these courses will become easily navigable on a phone or tablet and registration no longer is required.
However, the courses no longer will:
- Track your progress through the modules and lessons.
- Offer a certificate of completion.
If you have begun any course but not finished, we encourage you to complete the course if you would like to receive a certificate of completion before September 27, 2023.
If you have already finished the course, we encourage you to login and print your certificate before September 27, 2023.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
This course provides 13 modules and this introduction which is designed to give a comprehensive discussion of recommended practices for the forensic expert to follow when preparing for and testifying in court.
Because laws may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, experts are advised to check with local attorney(s) and become familiar with the laws applicable in the court where they will testify.
The thirteen modules include:
- Sources of Scientific Evidence
- Report Writing and Supporting Documentation
- Importance of Case Preparation
- Subpoenas vs. Promises to Appear
- Affidavits
- Being a Court-Appointed Expert
- Discovery
- General Testifying Tips
- Depositions
- Pretrial
- Trial
- Post-Trial, Pre-Sentencing
- Ethics for Experts