Handling Common Problems in Child Sexual Abuse Cases From a Prosecutors Perspective (REPEAT)

Thursday, August 10, 2023

8:30 AM – 9:45 AM CST

Room: State 1

CE: 1.25

75 minutes
Basic
Prosecutor

Primary Presenter(s)

Ward Weber

Assistant District Attorney, Crimes Against Children Division
Dallas County District Attorney's Office

Presentation Slides Additional Resources

Co-Presenter(s)

JS

Jennifer Sawyer (she/her/hers)

Assistant District Attorney
Dallas County DA's Office

This workshop will examine common problems that arise in prosecuting child sexual abuse cases. First, useful tips in identifying problem cases will be presented. Next, we will discuss how to handle problems before entering the court room including preparation, speaking with families and victims, negotiations with defense counsel, and communication with MD partners. This will continue with a discussion on how to handle common problems that arise once in a court room and presenting the case to the judge and jury. Finally, general tips for prosecuting these cases will be presented, closing with a Q&A.

Learning Objectives:

How to identify problems in child sexual abuses cases
How to overcome problems related to child sexual abuse cases that arise before ever stepping foot in the court
How to overcome problems that arise in the courtroom while prosecuting child sexual abuse cases