Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
NNFA-0291
Organization's ID:
R0790
Organization:
U.S. Fire Administration - National Fire Academy (NFA)
Location:
Classroom-based
Length:
6 days (53 hours)
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Upper-Division Baccalaureate 3 fire science
Description

Objective:

The course objective is to equip students with investigative techniques, knowledge, and skills necessary to prepare to testify as an expert during legal proceedings. Course content provides an intense, interactive, and realistic experience expanding upon the concepts presented in Fire Investigation Essentials.

Learning Outcomes:

  • distinguish among the various types of court proceedings, the roles of courtroom personnel, trial procedures, and the presentation of professional witness expert testimony
  • using the scientific method, formulate a defensible origin and cause hypothesis from a fire case file
  • create and present a fire investigation case that can withstand legal challenge
  • integrate knowledge, strategies, and skills to effect admissible and reliable expert witness testimony
  • simulate expert testimony in an intense and realistic mock trial setting
  • perform and present a self-evaluation of expert testimony performance

General Topics:

  • Courtroom introduction
  • Case file introductions
  • Case development
  • Legal considerations and panel discussion
  • Student testimony activities
  • Mock trial testimony exercise
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Case Studies
  • Classroom Exercise
  • Computer Based Training
  • Discussion
  • Learner Presentations
  • Lectures
  • Practical Exercises

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Performance Rubrics (Checklists)
  • Presentations
  • Written Papers

Minimum Passing Score:

80%
Supplemental Materials