Step-By-Step Guide
Testify for the Mark Lawson Trial
You will testify as an expert witness at the criminal trial of Mark Lawson and face cross examination by the opposing counsel.
Present Your Testimony
Following your planned testimony, present your theory about what happened to Linda Lawson.
- Tell a story about the events leading up to Linda Lawson’s death. Present your findings logically and clearly, so that it is easy for the jury to follow.
- Be convincing. The goal is to present the facts in such a way that the jury agrees with your arguments. Use evidence to build your case and win over the toughest skeptics.
- Illustrate your key points. Use the demonstrative evidence that you have prepared, including your Crime Scene Diagram, to reinforce your theory about what happened the night that Linda Lawson died.
Respond to Questions under Cross Examination
After you present your testimony, the counsel for the opposing side will ask you a series of follow up questions in an effort to uncover weaknesses in your testimony.
Be clear and look for opportunities to reinforce your testimony. Answer questions directly in a way that supports the main points from your earlier testimony.
Only answer the question you are asked. Do not offer any additional information that goes above and beyond the question posed by the cross examiner.
Be consistent. Your spoken testimony must be consistent with the prepared testimony you submitted earlier. Be careful not to contradict yourself when responding to questions posed by the cross examiner.
When possible, use prepared answers. It is likely that you will be asked questions similar to those you thought of as part of your preparation for cross examination in Task 1.5 Prepare Your Testimony.
Be calm. The cross examiner may look for ways to fluster you or get you to contradict your earlier testimony. Take your time and do your best to communicate clearly.
Take a moment to think through your answer in your head before you respond out loud.
Play the Role of Cross Examiner
Each team that testifies will face cross examination. You may be called upon by your mentor to play the role of the opposing counsel and cross examine the expert witness (i.e., a fellow student who has taken the opposing side). You will want to listen closely to what the expert says when testifying. Identify any inconsistencies between his/her prepared and spoken testimony and follow up with questions that point out the inconsistencies to the jury. Use any relevant questions you prepared in Task 1.5 Prepare Your Testimony as well.
