Direct Examination 2016


Course Date: April 15, 2016

Total: 5h 49min

Welcome and Introduction

Michael J. Brundrett — Crown Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Vancouver
Lisa Martz — Gudmundseth Mickelson LLP, Vancouver

Preparing Your Lay Witness

  • ethical boundaries of witness preparation
  • practical tips: what works, what doesn’t
  • communicating with witnesses during trial

Moderator: Lisa Martz — Gudmundseth Mickelson LLP, Vancouver
Jennifer L. Francis — Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Vancouver
Geordie Proulx, QC — Crown Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Vancouver

Direct Examinations in Both Civil and Criminal Cases

  • Part 1: strategies and tactics re the calling of witnesses and the tendering of exhibits
  • Part 2: demonstration of one way of leading direct evidence
  • Part 3: the art and skill of direct examination
  • Part 4: demo of direct examination of same witness incorporating techniques for effective direct examination
  • Part 5: managing different types of witnesses and re-examination

Moderator: Michael J. Brundrett — Crown Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Vancouver
Sandra A. Cunningham, QC — Crown Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Vancouver
Catherine A. Murray, QC — Crown Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Vancouver

Managing Different Types of Witnesses

  • the “deer in the headlights”
  • the forgetful witness
  • the witness who tries to blurt out their whole case

Re-Examination of Your Witness

  • when to rehabilitate your witness
  • what you can get away with and what you can’t

Moderator: Michael J. Brundrett — Crown Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Vancouver
Geoffrey B. Gomery, QC — Nathanson, Schachter & Thompson LLP, Vancouver

Networking Break

Dealing with the Unexpected

  • refreshing memory and use of past recollection recorded 
  • dealing with a witness whose evidence changes on the stand
  • hostile/adverse witnesses
  • how to deal with a witness you have subpoenaed but haven't interviewed
  • what to do if you suspect your witness is perjuring him/herself

Moderator: Michael J. Brundrett — Crown Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Vancouver
Eric V. Gottardi — Peck and Company, Vancouver
David E. Gruber — Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP, Vancouver

Lunch

Use of Demonstrative Aids in Direct Examination

  • what kinds of aids are available
  • use of technology
  • importance of visual aids
  • examples of effective use

Moderator: Lisa Martz — Gudmundseth Mickelson LLP, Vancouver
Daniel L. Mulligan — Crown Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Vancouver
Michael J. Slater, QC — Slater Vecchio LLP, Vancouver

Preparing and Direct Examination of Experts

  • qualifying your expert
  • organization/introduction of the expert's testimony
  • how to use the expert's report in oral testimony
  • when and how to deal with the expert's file in oral testimony
  • re-examining your expert
  • avoiding the appearance of advocacy

Moderator: Lisa Martz — Gudmundseth Mickelson LLP, Vancouver
Howard A. Mickelson, QC — Gudmundseth Mickelson LLP, Vancouver
Shelene Rail — Crown Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Surrey

Networking Break

Judges Panel: Do's and Don'ts of Direct Examination

  • what we want to hear
  • how we want to hear it
  • what is most persuasive
  • what tactics will irritate your judge
  • examination where the other party is unrepresented 

    Moderator: Michael J. Brundrett — Crown Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Vancouver
    The Honourable Madam Justice Catherine A. Wedge — Supreme Court of BC, Vancouver
    The Honourable Judge Melissa A. Gillespie — Provincial Court of BC, Surrey

  • Concluding Remarks

    Michael J. Brundrett — Crown Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Vancouver
    Lisa Martz — Gudmundseth Mickelson LLP, Vancouver