NCJ Number
67968
Date Published
Unknown
Length
40 pages
Annotation
THIS SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THE OFFICER WITH ALL THE INFORMATION NEEDED TO PREPARE AND PRESENT A TRAFFIC CASE AND CONTAINS ALL THE RULES OF EVIDENCE USED IN THE PRESENTATION.
Abstract
MATERIAL COVERING THE PRETRIAL REVIEW LISTS COMPONENTS OF THE REVIEW AND EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE REVIEW. TYPES AND CLASSIFICATIONS OF EVIDENCE THE ARRESTING OFFICER MUST KNOW ARE PRESENTED WITH DESCRIPTIONS AND DEFINITIONS. THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF THE STATE'S CASE AND THE TESTIMONIAL REQUIREMENTS ARE DETAILED. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE PROVIDED FOR GIVING TESTIMONY, WITH EMPHASIS ON WHAT TO SAY AND HOW TO SAY IT. AN EXCERPT FROM THE DIGEST OF CRIMINAL LAWS (MARYLAND STATE POLICE) ELABORATES ON THE OFFICER'S MANNER OF PRESENTING TESTIMONY. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO QUESTIONS FROM BOTH THE PROSECUTING AND THE DEFENSE ATTORNEYS ARE SUGGESTED. BASIC POINTS TO BE ESTABLISHED (WHO, WHERE, WHEN, WHAT) IN EVERY TRIAL ARE DELINEATED WITH RESPECT TO THEIR ROLES IN THE TRIAL. DEFENSE TACTICS IN DRINKING DRIVER CASES ARE PRESENTED. FINALLY, TYPICAL APPROACHES USED BY DEFENSE COUNSEL ARE MENTIONED. TEST QUESTIONS ARE INTERSPERSED THROUGHOUT THE UNIT, AND A PRETEST AND POSTTEST FORM IS APPENDED.