Unit 3 DB Trial Preparation

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas:

Describe and explain the roles of the different types of witnesses, such as the following:

Lay witnesses
Expert witnesses
Law enforcement witnesses

How important are witnesses with regard to the prosecution’s case during a trial? Explain.

How important are witnesses with regard to the defense’s case during a trial? Explain.

How does the role of witnesses used for the prosecution differ from that of witnesses used for the defense? Explain.

What qualifications do you think should be necessary for a witness to be considered an expert? Explain.

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Unit 3 DB Trial Preparation
A witness is a person who has knowledge about a particular event. In law, a witness has an obligation to testify about the occurrence of an act. Witnesses are a critical part of the criminal justice system. They help in the successful prosecution of cases through their testimony.
Types of Witnesses
Lay Witness
A lay witness is a person of ordinary status who testifies before a court of law or tribunal. He or she testifies on the basis of his or her personal knowledge and other related life experiences. A lay witness cannot offer opinions if they are not based on firsthand knowledge. In a personal injury case, a lay witness can either be a plaintiff or defendant or any other person who witnessed the occurrence of the event. He or she offers experience concerning to degrees of light, weight sound and person appearance (Witness, 2016). Identity or conduct can also be given as evidence by a lay witness….