A Practical Guide to Cross Examination in Criminal Law
For the criminal defence lawyer, few things are more important than cross examination. To help you in practise, this seminar will provide concrete examples & practical scenarios to broaden your skillset and promote your own sense of self confidence when next in the courtroom. Beginning with preparation, then an intricate look at the cross examination of children, legislation & governing considerations, and finally the all-important ethics topic, you will have the tools you need to get the edge. WEB229Q02
Description
Attend and earn 2 CPD units in Professional Skills
This program is based on QLD legislation
Chair: Calvin Gnech, Legal Practice Director, Gnech and Associates; Recommended Criminal Defence Lawyer, Doyle’s Guide 2021
2.00pm to 2.40pm Cross Examination: Preparation
- The most basic (and most important) rules of cross-examination
- Identifying topics
- Establishing control over a witness
- Prior inconsistent statements
Presented by David Jones, Barrister, Queens Arms Chambers
2.40pm to 3.20pm Effective Cross Examination of Children
- How early preparation and the issue of subpoenas can be a game changer
- The importance of efficiency when cross examining children
- Effective use of s93A Evidence Act statements in cross-examination
- Practical tips to avoid annoying the judge and aggravating the jury when you cross examine a child
Presented by Jack Kennedy, Barrister, Fullagar Chambers
3.20pm to 4.00pm Applications to Cross-Examine Witnesses Pursuant to s110B & s 83A(5AA) of the Justices Act
- The background to applications for cross examination: common law and codification
- Legislation, rules and governing considerations
- Drafting the defendant’s communication
Presented by Kristy Bell, Director, Bell Criminal Lawyers; Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law; Recommended Criminal Defence Lawyer, Doyle’s Guide 2021
4.00pm to 4.15pm Afternoon Tea
Presenters
Calvin Gnech
Calvin gained his early legal experience in the criminal justice system as a sworn police officer in Queensland successfully preparing briefs of evidence to present to courts and juries convicting offenders of serious criminal charges. He later became a prosecutor in charge of a regional prosecutions unit. Calvin quickly became an accomplished prosecutor arguing complex cases, including murder, drug trafficking, rape and more. Calvin prosecuted both at summary trial and committal hearing stages of the proceedings before the Magistrates Court. Calvin has appeared before the Queensland Flood Inquiry and the Federal Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Calvin has extensive experience in the area of professional misconduct and corruption investigations having successfully represented, police officers, lawyers, teachers, security officers, nurses, town planners, Councillors, public servants and others in corruption/professional misconduct/licensing proceedings. Calvin has been an appointed committee member on the Queensland Law Society Industrial Law Committee and is currently the Chairperson of the Society's Occupational Disciplinary Law Committee. Calvin is also an advocate for mental health awareness and advocates against bullying within the legal profession and workplace generally.
David Jones
Since 2006, Mr Jones has appeared in hundreds of jury trials. He is regularly briefed in serious and complicated matters all across Australia including a number of high profile matters. Mr Jones’ range of experience is vast. He has appeared in murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, drug trafficking, torture, and other serious criminal matters that include allegations of organised crime. Mr Jones is currently listed on the Complex Criminal Case Panel for Legal Aid Queensland and the Defence Counsel Services Panel for the Australian Defence Force. Mr Jones’ strength is in his advocacy, especially his trial advocacy. He has presented multiple CPD events that focus on evidentiary issues and trial advocacy. Mr Jones’ practice is not limited to representing those accused of serious allegations. He is also briefed to provide advice. The recipients of the professional advice range from large organisations such as the Australian Securities and Investment Commission through to small business owners and individuals.
Jack Kennedy
Jack commenced his legal career with the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) before practising as a criminal defence solicitor throughout North Queensland with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal service (ATSILS). Jack went on to become a regional manager at ATSILS. Jack was called to the bar in 2018. He specialises in contested hearings and applications, appearing in all courts across the state and federal jurisdictions. Jack has acted for both defence and prosecution in criminal and regulatory matters and has experience in a broad range of practice areas including criminal law, judicial reviews and appeals.
Kristy Bell
Kristy Bell is director at Bell Criminal Lawyers. Kristy is one of a handful of Accredited Criminal Law Specialists in Queensland. She is a member of the Queensland Law Society’s Criminal Law and Specialist Accreditation Committees and has been recognised as one of Queensland’s recommended leading Criminal Defence Lawyers in Doyle’s Guide. Kristy works on all kinds of criminal and quasi-criminal matters including investigative hearings, commissions, coronial inquests, parole applications and criminal confiscations matters.