title: Testifying in a mock court: the experiences of forensic advanced trainees.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to examine the experiences of advanced trainees in forensic psychiatry as they practise testifying as expert witnesses in a mock court setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five advanced trainees (including the first author) submitted court-ordered forensic reports in advance of attending the mock court. Senior colleagues had roles of Judge, prosecution and defence lawyers. House officers and medical students were summoned as jury. Over a year, each trainee had the experience of direct and cross-examination by opposing legal teams. Following the mock trial, each participant was given immediate feedback and subsequently asked to complete a semi-structured questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The experience of participating in a mock court has learning value for advanced trainees specialising in forensic psychiatry in anticipation of giving evidence in a court of law. Constructive feedback enabled attendees to gain valuable education in a supportive setting. Of particular value was guidance in the use of technical language in presenting evidence in a court setting, knowledge of the breadth of questions that could be put forth to an expert witness, desensitisation training in an adversarial albeit simulated setting, and acquiring skills in staying calm under pressure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The importance of a well-written report, good preparation and anxiety management were significant learning points.
authors: Advanced Trainee in Forensic Psychiatry, Mason Clinic, Regional Forensic Psychiatry Services, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors: Lillian Lywan
authors: LL
authors: Ng
authors: Associate Professor of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, and; Forensic Psychiatrist, Mason Clinic, Regional Forensic Psychiatry Services, Auckland, New Zealand sh.friedman@auckland.ac.nz.
authors: Susan Hatters
authors: SH
authors: Friedman
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005104:Expert Testimony; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D011214:Practice, Psychological
keywords: advanced trainees; education; feedback; forensic; mock court