Legal Professionals Program

The Forensic Science Initiative, in collaboration with the National Institute of Justice, has sponsored two Essentials of Forensic Science for Legal Professionals Programs. The first Program took place in Orlando, Florida on May 2-3, 2012. This program was advertised to public defenders throughout the United States. On March 19-20, 2013, the second Program was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This program was targeted for public prosecuting attorneys throughout the United States. Based on feedback from our participants and to facilitate a comfortable learning environment tailored to both defense and prosecuting attorneys, the FSI created two seminars. Most participants reported that they found the specialized sessions for their specific area more fruitful. Although the FSI has created these specialized sessions, all attorneys were welcome to attend either of the sessions.

These two day Programs provided the basic precepts of forensic science training and supplied the tools to effectively apply this information for trial. Attendees were given information on evaluating the scientific rigor of expert testimony and the reliability of forensic evidence. Members of academia, scientists, and attorneys instructed and presented practical examples. This was an excellent opportunity for the legal community to broaden their knowledge of important forensic science topics while also receiving continuing legal education.

FSI will be sponsoring several FREE webinars within the coming months on a variety of forensic science topics as well as an onsite course on basic crime scene course for legal professionals in Morgantown, WV. Click on the links to the left for more information.

Feel free to fill out the future training form to help us better serve your training needs. Email FSI@mail.wvu.edu for all other inquires.