This is an assignment for school, I am not asking for the answer, just some guidance

[Aymarae]

The final closing of a case is when it comes to trial or the case is closed because the suspect has died or is believed deceased. When an officer has to testify in court, he or she must show a professional demeanor. What would be his or her attire? What would he or she not bring into court? What would he or she bring into court? What would he or she do to prepare for court? What would happen if the witnesses were sequestered and he or she walked into that courtroom? When he or she enters the court house and is accosted by the media, what would be the normal procedure?

I am not looking for answers, but if you could provide me some information as to where I might search and research this topic it would be greatly appreciated or give me some ideas of how you prepare for a court appearance please, above is my assignment details, so any information you can give would be appreciated.

[Kimble]

First, I'll be the first to say thanks for not trying to B.S. us by saying this isn't for a school assignment. Obviously it is, but many come here asking these sort of questions, and when called on it and told that we don't do others homework for them, they get p!ssy and fib about it being "just a topic for discussion." The discussion usually doesn't go any further after that.

With regard to your questions, I'll answer some of them, as I'm not aware of "academic sources" that answer some of your questions.

The final closing of a case is when it comes to trial or the case is closed because the suspect has died or is believed deceased.

In my agency, a case isn't closed until a suspect is sentenced, not when trial begins. Trials and the entire criminal justice process can take months, even years. Just because a case is ready for trial tomorrow doesn't mean defense or prosecution won't request (and be granted) a continuance, and the case delayed weeks or months for whatever reason. The criminal case stays open until it's gone through the judicial process, and the judge issues whatever sentence is deemed appropriate (or the case is dismissed, defendant is found not guilty, a mistrial is declared, etc.).

What would be his or her attire?

Business attire. For males, coat and tie. For females, appropriate business attire.

What would he or she not bring into court?

In federal court, most officers/agents are not permitted to carry a firearm or cell phone into the courthouse. In state courts, this is often not an issue (at least in VA and AL).

What would he or she bring into court?

The investigative case file, including case notes and investigative reports.

What would he or she do to prepare for court?

Review the items in their case file and be able to intelligently state in court what they did during their investigation of the case.

What would happen if the witnesses were sequestered and he or she walked into that courtroom?

Not sure what you're asking here.

When he or she enters the court house and is accosted by the media, what would be the normal procedure?

"No comments about an open investigation." As stated above, a case isn't closed until sentencing is concluded, and detective/investigators aren't agency public information officers (the people that talk to the media about police investigations).

I'll add, based on the information in the questions asked (which I assume come from your professor, and not you), they seem to have a flawed concept of basic processes in the CJ system. For example, anyone who has worked in this field (outside of simply watching Law & Order on TV) knows that a criminal case isn't over until trial is over. Not sure if your CJ professor has ever worked in the CJ field, or if these questions come from a textbook that is simply flawed in it's information, but take this assignment as an opportunity to learn how the system *actually* works, as your source for this assignment is a bit off.

[pac201]

to add to what Kimble said, if time permits, you should attend an actual trial...It really could prove to be an eye opener for you.

BTW there bossman, good answers!!!

[Wolfman]

What would happen if the witnesses were sequestered and he or she walked into that courtroom?

Not sure what you're asking here.

I *think* he's asking if a witness were sequestered, but still entered the courtroom before called, what would happen with that witness/case. Since all judges are different, I would think that the Defense Attorney would probably challenge their testimony in some way by claiming that they were tainted due to any prior testimony or actions which happened prior to being called as a witness.

If that's not what you meant then forget what I said lol.

The answers with my agency are very similar to Kimble's, so I won't repeat them. As for the state court thing, I know you can also bring weapons into state court in NC as well.

[Joeyd6]

The final closing of a case is when it comes to trial or the case is closed because the suspect has died or is believed deceased. When an officer has to testify in court, he or she must show a professional demeanor. What would be his or her attire? What would he or she not bring into court? What would he or she bring into court? What would he or she do to prepare for court? What would happen if the witnesses were sequestered and he or she walked into that courtroom? When he or she enters the court house and is accosted by the media, what would be the normal procedure?

I am not looking for answers, but if you could provide me some information as to where I might search and research this topic it would be greatly appreciated or give me some ideas of how you prepare for a court appearance please, above is my assignment details, so any information you can give would be appreciated.

To add to Kimble's comments, your honesty is refresing, appreciated and the fact you stated you were not looking for an answer, just being pointed in the right direction is why you are getting responses. Kudos! You matture beyond your age!

In NY City, detetcives were a suits, feds werea suits and uniform police officers usually wear their uniforms but on ocassion go in a suit.

I have always brought any evidence and any notes I kept about the incident.

To preapre I go over my notes, the evidence, any reports and meet with the DA or AUSA involved.

The police are usually teh investigators and know all of the witnesses. Thus there are no issues with seeing them, however the court security or court police (depends on jurisdiction) usually handle all that.

Any time I am asked a question by teh media I say "No comment." If the press further, "Please contact our public information officer for a comment.

all your local police and ask for the community affairs or public infomration officer. Tell them you have a school assignment with 5 or 6 questions and would like to spend 10 minutes interviewing them. I bet they do it!

[Cat_Doc]

A sequestered witness walking into the courtroom, especially during any testimony, could very well result in a mistrial. Once the “Rule” has been invoked, even talking with other sequestered witnesses (about the case) or speaking about the case with anyone other than the prosecutor or the “State’s Investigator” can result in sanctioning and a mistrial.

This is based on my experience with Superior Court in Arizona and I am not sure, but suspect, the same applies in Federal Court and other state courts.

[Aymarae]

thank you all, wish me luck as I begin this report. I better get an A with all the help you all gave me, will let ya know when grades post.

[Aymarae]

I finally got back on here to let everyone know that the grade I recieved for that assignment was an A, I wanted to say thank you for all the help you all offered me and the advice everyone gave. Thank you again for everything.

[Cat_Doc]

You are most welcome, and congrats.

You are also encouraged to stick around and become an active member of the RP family.

[pac201]

You are most welcome, and congrats.

You are also encouraged to stick around and become an active member of the RP family.

This^^^we really do like it when someone comes to the site and is honest and straightforward...it is refreshing.

[Wolfman]

Good job and thanks for giving us an update and "thank you"

[Aymarae]

Oh, I will stick around, many thanks.

[Cat_Doc]

Isn't Stockton fairly conservative in their views compared to most of California?

[Aymarae]

stockton is like the armpit of california and yes its pretty conservative, no longer live there to be honest, moved back east to IL.. waits for the wisecracks to begin... LOL. Anyway, hope everyone is having a great beginning to the new year.