NACDL - C is for Cross-Examination

C is for Cross-Examination

The right to counsel must include the right to an attorney with the skill, training, and knowledge to challenge the government's evidence and to present a defense. Too often public defense attorneys lack the time and resources to attend trainings or conduct significant research on issues. To help fill those gaps, NACDL provides webinars, videos and training programs on cutting edge issues as well as on fundamental topics and trial skills.

No courtroom skill is more fundamental to a defense attorney's practice than cross-examination. Effective cross starts with a strong foundation of core skills, but can take many forms. The cross of a 10-year-old child will look very different from the cross of a 10-year veteran police detective; techniques used to expose expert bias may not be effective to expose an eyewitness's mistake. Here are some resources to help defenders hone this vital skill.

Powerful Cross-Examination

Presented by Abe Hutt, criminal defense attorney, Denver, CO

Clients, Not Cases: Skills for Outstanding Representation
Wilmington, DE | Grant-Funded Public Defense Training

Cross of Digital Experts

Presented by Alice Fontier, Managing Director, Criminal Defense Practice, Bronx Defenders

Trial Advocacy: Forensic Sciences Training
Philadelphia, PA | Grant-Funded Public Defense Training

Want More Cross?

Cross-Examination of Difficult Witnesses - Eric Davis and Karen Smolar
Cross-Examination of the State’s DNA Expert - Carrie Wood and Nathan Adams
Cross of the Child Witness with Live Demo - Laurie Shanks
Advanced Cross of Experts & Officers in DUI Cases - Larry Pozner

Breaking Blue: Challenging Police Officer Credibility at Motions to Suppress

Police officers are viewed as inherently trustworthy, especially when attorneys argue a motion to suppress evidence seized in searches. To have a fighting chance at winning the motion, defense attorneys must strip away the presumption of trustworthiness that comes with a badge and a gun. Jennifer Sellitti recommends that the defense team record and comment on police officers’ demeanor, argue noncompliance with established procedure, explore bias more fully, and make it personal by telling the story of the client’s experience.

Additional NACDL Member Resources on Cross

Join us for NACDL's Spring Meeting!

Larry Pozner, a master of cross-examination, and co-author of "Cross-Examination: Science and Technique" will be the featured speaker in a special 4-hour session.