Expert Witness 101

Research has demonstrated the usefulness of expert testimony in cases involving crimes of interpersonal violence. Research also indicates that Judges favorably consider expert witnesses who testify about interpersonal violence. This training provides participants with an introduction to the knowledge and skill set needed to professionally and ethically use or serve as an expert witness: benchmarks for establishing “expertise” before serving as or employing expert witnesses; and ethical, personal, and professional benefits of serving as, or utilizing, experts for case consultation and in the trial. Ethical strategies for assessing expert competency and qualifying expert witnesses in cases involving interpersonal violence will be discussed, as well as challenging case facts that experts can help factfinders understand, within the context of interpersonal violence.

The Institute for Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, a program of UT Austin, will present a 90 minute training on using expert witnesses in sexual assault cases. This training is geared towards advocates wanting to learn the basics of expert witness testimony.

Presenter: Margaret Bassett, LPC-S, Director of Applied Research & Innovative Instruction
The University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

Cost: Free

Please note the morning session and afternoon session are the same content. You can select either morning or afternoon.

1. Link for the 9 – 10:30 am 90 minute EW training – Dallas SART AM Registration Link
2. Link for the 1:00 – 2:30 pm 90 minute EW training – Dallas SART PM Registration Link