Witness Familiarisation Course Information

This is a one-day course run by trainers who have substantial professional experience of conducting courtroom advocacy as either a barrister or solicitor. When there are more than 4 participants, the course is usually conducted with two trainers so that the benefit of the training is maximised.

A range of case studies has been developed for use with the course in order to ensure that court protocols on witness familiarisation are observed. The particular case study to be used will be determined in discussion with the client. Participants will receive the case study materials and detailed instructions in advance of the course.

The structure of the course involves a combination of short trainer presentations, participant exercises, and trainer critiquing of the participant's performances.

The course is accredited for six CPD hours.

The objectives of this programme are to:-

  • Familiarise participants with courtroom procedure and layout
  • Allow participants an opportunity to practise the skills of giving evidence effectively
  • Give participants an opportunity to consider effective courtroom techniques
  • Familiarise participants with these skills through “learning by doing”
  • Emphasise the role and purpose of examination-in-chief
  • Introduce effective strategies for being a witness during examination-in-chief
  • Emphasise the role and purpose of cross-examination
  • Introduce effective strategies for being a witness during cross-examination
  • Introduce participants to various defence questioning techniques and tactics

Mode of Study

Each one-day Witness Familiarisation training course is delivered by two practising lawyers:

  • A trained College of Law advocacy tutor will focus on the participants’ performance in the witness box; and
  • A Higher Court Advocate (in association with the CBA and SAHCA) will focus on the participants’ examination and cross-examination skills.

The College also offers a two-day ‘Training the Trainers’ course. This expands on the key outcomes of the one-day course. It also aims to:

  • Teach participants how to deliver effective witness skills training
  • Allow participants to practise their skills of witness examination and cross-examination
  • Develop strategies for the effective management of small group and syndicate training sessions

Teach participants the skill of critiquing or giving feedback on performances

Both Witness Familiarisation Training programmes combine plenary group work, short presentations, performances in the witness box, critiques and reflection. Both programmes are based on enjoyable learner-centred training and focus on specific and practical application in real-life situations.

Fees

The Witness Familiarisation Training programme is taught on an in-house basis only. Fees vary according to specific firm requirements.

Please contact us on 01483 216663.

How to Book

In-house only

This course can be run for a firm with a number of lawyers with similar training requirements. In-house courses are usually delivered to a group of 6 or more delegates from the same firm.

Call us on 01483 216216 for more information.

E-mail: pd@lawcol.co.uk