Cross Examination in Criminal Trials - A Toolkit for Advocates

Introduction

Since the passing of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, defendants have been encouraged into the witness box to avoid the drawing of an adverse inference.

Since then, further changes in the law, particularly with regards to bad character, have seen the areas for cross-examination of a defendant grow and it is rare for a defendant not to give evidence at trial.

This virtual classroom seminar is aimed at advocates in both the Magistrates and Crown Court and will look at this issue of cross-examination from both sides.

It will provide you with a comprehensive checklist of areas to cover to conduct a professional and comprehensive examination.

What You Will Learn

This live broadcast will cover the following:

• Adverse inferences - cross examination on silence in interview and how to deal with it from both sides
• Bad character - how to make effective use of a defendant’s previous convictions and how to deal with bad character arising during the trial
• Lies and inconsistencies
• When to allege a lie and when not
• How to deal with these as the defence
• Recent fabrication - is the defendant making it up as he goes along?
• The golden rule of cross-examination - it’s probably not what you think it is!

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.