The criminal court system resolves disputes, imposes and maintains order and upholds human rights. The ability to give evidence in court in a competent and professional manner is a core skill for an investigator.
The Criminal Trial describes and analyses the main rules of the law of evidence within a framework relevant to the policing profession. It is the emphasis placed on the policing profession and the professions role in the pre-trial and trial process as well as the discussion of issues pertaining to the "professional witness" which sets this text apart from others.
Reviews
'For those who are new to this arena, Brian provides a much needed road map that will assist them to prepare for the courtroom. The book is written in a clear, straight-forward language which makes it accessible for all students ranging from students of law and individuals working within academia, to the policing profession and other state officials, as well as professional experts witnesses. In my early career I had the distinct pleasure of hearing and learning directly from Brian. For those who do not have that benefit, this book will provide the next best thing.' – Andrew P. Scipione, Commissioner, New South Wales Police Force
Contents
1. Introduction 2. The Court System 3. The Adversary System 4. The Legal Profession in Court: Solicitors; Barristers; Judges and Magistrates; Director of Public Prosecutions; Crown Prosecutors; Public Defenders; Legal Aid Lawyers; Police Prosecutors 5. Court Officers and other Participants: The Office of the Sheriff ;Judges' Associates; The Jury 6. Courtroom Environment 7. Courtroom Protocol and Procedure 8. Stages of Evidence: (a)The Prosecution Case: Evidence-in-Chief; Cross-Examination; Re-Examination; Sequence of Witnesses; Expert Opinions; Lay Opinions and Police Officers (b)The Defence Case 9. Sentencing 10. Appeals 11. Conduct Before and After a Court Case 12. Awarding Costs against Police 13. Coronial Inquests and Inq14. Conclusion
Author Bio
Brian was formerly a member of the New South Wales Police Force with 23 years service. Brian has extensive experience in the field of criminal investigation and has served as a detective at several Squads within the Criminal Investigation Branch, Sydney including the Fraud Squad. He was also the Director of Detectives' Training for the NSW Police Force.
Brian resigned from the Police Force in 1991 to enter the legal profession where he practised as a Solicitor in the field of criminal law and litigation later becoming a partner in a law firm. Brian was appointed a Senior Lecturer at the Australian Graduate School of Policing at Charles Sturt University in 1999.
