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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Courtroom Testimony Seminar
Course: AJS290BN

First Term: 2025 Fall
 Lecture   1.0 Credit(s)   1.0 Period(s)   1.0 Load  
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S - Standard Load


Description: Courtroom demeanor and protocol. Role and primary functions of witness and legal counsels.



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe appropriate courtroom demeanor and conduct. (I)
2. Explain why the ability to communicate clearly and concisely with the judge and/or jury is important. (I, II, III, IV, V)
3. Describe the types of questions which a witness may encounter in the courtroom. (III, IV, V)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Courtroom demeanor
   A. Appearance
   B. Speech
II. Courtroom procedures and protocol
III. Presentation of testimony
   A. Clarity
   B. Objectivity
   C. Brevity
   D. Preparation
   E. Maintaining composure
IV. Common tactics used by opposing counsel
   A. Badgering
   B. Condescending attitude
   C. Suggestive questions
   D. Repetitious questions
   E. Reversing witnesses` words
   F. Rapid fire questions
V. Mock court
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: June 25, 2024

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.