Problem
Assigned Reading
A. Module Overview: Opinion and Hearsay
a. When can a person testify as to their opinion?
b. Why do we have rules against opinion and hearsay evidence?
c. How do you define hearsay?
B. Opinion Testimony and Testifying as a Forensics Expert Witness, from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Legal Training Handbook, Sections 5.11 and 5.12
a. On what type of facts can an expert witness base their opinion testimony?
b. On what topics may an expert witness not testify?
c. What is the CSI Effect and how does it impact the testimony of witnesses?
C. Hearsay and Exceptions to the Hearsay Rule, from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Legal Training Handbook, Sections 4.10 and 4.11
a. what's an example of hearsay using the definition provided and the examples shown.
b. How does the Sixth Amendment's Confrontation Clause impact the use of witnesses for prosecutors?
c. There are two examples of exceptions to the hearsay rule described in this reading (4.11.1 and 4.11.2). What are these two exceptions and explain why are these two exceptions to the rule about hearsay?