You have just received your order to appear in court for a call you made on the job—what happens next? What can you expect when you step onto the witness stand? This course is designed to guide Fire Service Personnel through the court process, from understanding how the system works to navigating each stage of the trial. We will cover the courtroom layout, the roles of everyone present, and step-by-step details on what to expect when you appear in court. Most importantly, we will focus on how to succeed with your testimony. At the end of the course, you will have the chance to participate in mock trials with the instructor, ensuring you are fully prepared for your eventual day in court.

 Learning Objectives

1. The student will be able to describe the design of state and federal court systems, courtroom design, and the roles of Judge, Jury, Prosecutor, Defendant, Witness, and Defense Attorney.

2. The student will be able to describe the process of being summoned to court, from the incident date to testifying on the witness stand.

3. The student will understand common tactics used by defense attorneys during cross-examination and the steps to take to testify in court successfully.