Concession-Based Cross Examination and Expert Witnesses

The effectiveness of cross examination is often marred by the failure to understand its function and then by employing a faulty technique. This webinar will improve this skill by both identifying the function and teaching the technique of concession-based cross examination. Attendees will learn how to prepare for cross examination, how to identify concessions, and then finally, how to organize the concessions to support the ultimate argument the attorney intends to make at the conclusion of the proceeding. The webinar will then apply the concession-based technique to the cross examination of expert witnesses.   

Presenter: 

Margaret Fent Bodman, JD, serves as Senior Resource Attorney at the Children’s Law Center, University of South Carolina School of Law. After graduating from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1991, she began her legal career as a prosecutor at the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office in San Antonio, Texas where she prosecuted a wide variety of offenses, handled cases at the appellate level, and served in the juvenile division of the office. In 1999, Ms. Bodman moved to South Carolina joining the National College of District Attorneys at the National Advocacy Center where she developed and implemented trial advocacy programs. In 2005, she rejoined the ranks of frontline prosecutors in Richland County, South Carolina. There she prosecuted hundreds of violent crime cases, specializing in the prosecution of child abuse, primarily child sexual abuse. In 2013, Ms. Bodman received the Criminal Justice Award from the South Carolina Victim’s Assistance Network recognizing her advocacy on behalf of victims. In 2016, she joined the Children’s Law Center where she currently provides trainings regarding the recognition, investigation, and prosecution of child maltreatment and teaches a class at the law school entitled, “Children & the Courts.” She also serves as the state coordinator for ChildFirst® forensic interviewing program and state coordinator for NACC.   

This webinar is FREE for NACC Members. Members, please log in when you register for this event. This webinar is $45 for non-members.