Forensic Interviewers in the Courtroom
This two-day, courtroom-based simulation course equips forensic interviewers and prosecutors to present and defend testimony in child abuse cases. Participants practice examinations, anticipate defense strategies, and refine coordinated trial approaches for introducing forensic interviews and child statements into evidence.
Suggested Audience: Forensic interviewers and prosecutors, with the option to incorporate other MDT members
Full Description: This two-day course delivers practical, courtroom-based simulations that prepare forensic interviewers and prosecutors for the challenges of presenting and responding to testimony in child abuse proceedings.
Participants gain the skills to anticipate common defense tactics, respond effectively under cross-examination, and strategically present forensic interviewer testimony as part of a cohesive case. Participants explore the forensic interviewer’s role at trial, the relevance of hearsay exceptions, and considerations for navigating direct and cross-examination.
Forensic interviewers practice testifying as lay and expert witnesses, while prosecutors conduct examinations and engage in exercises that include cross-examining defense experts critiquing forensic interviews. Through these experiential sessions, teams sharpen their ability to present credible testimony, introduce forensic interviews and child statements into evidence, coordinate trial strategies, and achieve more effective outcomes in these cases.
Learning Objectives:
Present and defend forensic interviewer testimony within the structure of a child abuse trial.
Anticipate and respond to common defense tactics, including challenges to interviewer methodology and child statements.
Navigate direct and cross-examination with clarity, accuracy, and courtroom composure.
Apply relevant hearsay exceptions to introduce forensic interviews and child statements into evidence.
Distinguish the forensic interviewer’s functions when testifying as a lay versus expert witness.
Conduct effective examinations and cross-examinations, including of defense experts critiquing forensic interviews.
Coordinate interviewer–prosecutor trial strategies to deliver cohesive, credible case presentations.
Sample Agenda: Below is a sample agenda that includes five workshops plus experiential exercises spread across two days.
Day One
9:00-10:00 | Workshop 1 — The Forensic Interviewer and Their Role at Trial
10:00-10:15 | Break
10:15-11:15 | Workshop 2 — Hearsay Exceptions and the Impact on Trial Testimony
11:15-12:15 | Lunch
12:15-1:45 | Workshop 3 — Direct Examination of the Forensic Interviewer as Lay and Expert Witnesses; Surviving Cross-Examination
1:45-2:00 | Break
2:00-2:45 | Group Preparation
2:45-4:30 | Experiential Exercises — Direct & Cross Examination
Day Two
9:00-10:30 | Experiential Exercises — Direct & Cross Examination
10:30-10:45 | Break
10:45-11:45 | Workshop 4 — Cross Examination of Defense Experts
11:45-12:45 | Lunch
12:45-1:30 | Group Preparation
1:30-3:00 | Experiential Exercises — Cross Examination of Defense Experts
3:00-3:15 | Break
3:15-4:30 | Workshop — Cross Examination of Defense Experts
Speaker(s): Robert Peters & Kathleen Nolan
Customization: This course is available either virtually or in person, with in-person delivery encouraged for the most realistic courtroom simulation dynamics. It can be adapted for forensic interviewers alone, but it is most effective when prosecutors and interviewers train side by side. Teams leave with stronger best practices and improved multidisciplinary collaboration that carries forward after the training. This course can also be adapted to include other MDT members who may be called on to testify in court, such as law enforcement officers and medical or mental health providers.