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LAW-2976 Forensics
Ms. Ann McGonigle Santos,
2 credits day; credits evening.
Students using this course to fulfill the experiential learning requirement may not also use this
same course to meet the legal writing requirement.
This 40-hour course will provide students with an understanding of the law underlying forensic
science evidentiary issues, as well as preparing witnesses to testify on various forensic science
topics. The course is divided into both lecture and practical sessions. The theoretical and
fundamental principles of trial preparation and testimony will be illustrated in the lecture
segments and will then be reinforced in practical simulations. Each student will be afforded the
opportunity to experience direct and cross examination in a courtroom setting.
Upon completion of this course, the participants will have acquired a basic understanding of the
law and process of qualifying a witness as an expert; how expert witnesses work with both
prosecutors and defense attorneys; ethical issues; preparing witnesses to testify on fingerprint,
firearm, and ballistic analysis; and search and seizure issues.
Faculty comments
: Grades will be based on class participation, simulations and a final paper.
The course will be graded on a pass/fail basis
Elective Course
Meets Experiential Learning Requirement
Final Paper Required
<<Course Updated: April 06, 2016>>