Robert Phillips
- Ref # CAB00066
- January 01, 2009
TESTIFYING IN CRIMINAL CASES
TESTIFYING IN CRIMINAL CASES
ROBERT C. PHILLIPS
Deputy District Attorney (Ret)
January, 2009
I. Rule #1: Always Tell the Truth.
II. The Importance of Witnesses:
A. Witnesses are the primary vehicle by which evidence is transmitted to the “trier-of-fact” (i.e., jury).
B. Witness credibility is almost always an issue:
1. Juries are instructed concerning things to consider in evaluating the credibility of a witness (E.C. § 780; CALJIC 2.20), including, but not limited to;
a. Demeanor while testifying and manner in which he/she ....
