An interactive panel discussion on what makes a witness interview effective. Drawing on real-life experience, the faculty explore witness interviews within the whole US judicial process and what good practice looks like. The discussion will cover how interviews are used at different stages, with practical insight into preparation, questioning techniques, cultural considerations and common pitfalls to avoid.

The discussion will be brought to life through a mock witness interview exercise, giving attendees the chance to see how interview preparation and witness handling can play out in practice. With opportunities for audience members to ask questions throughout

In this session, the faculty will introduce a series of realistic scenarios reflecting the challenges that can arise throughout witness interviews in investigations. Participants will work in groups to assess each situation and decide how they would respond in practice, before feeding back to the group about their approach.