Develop robust interviewing and information-gathering techniques to improve your effectiveness interviewing skills plus more. Designed specifically for prosecutors, you will address key gaps in handling privacy and confidentiality during search and surveillance, obligations, consequences of non-compliance and strategies for resolving disputes. You will also gain practical skills for cross-examination, evidence presentation and handling difficult witnesses and conversations.
Description
Attend and earn 3 CPD hours
Chair:
9.00am to 10.00am Addressing Blind Spots: Effective Interviewing and Information Gathering for Prosecutors
- Recognise and address biases in interviews
- Improve listening and observation skills
- Building rapport with witnesses and victims
- Cross-referencing and verifying data
- Ongoing training to improve interview skills
Presented by Robin McCoubrey, Partner, Meredith Connell
10.00am to 11.00am Dealing with Claims of Privacy and Confidentiality During Police Searches Under the Search and Surveillance Act
- Privileges and confidentiality rights recognised by the Search and Surveillance Act
- Police obligations (and consequences of non-compliance)
- Subject’s obligation to particularise their claim
- How to resolve disputes (and fishhooks to avoid)
Presented by Tim Bain, Partner, Luke Cunningham Clere
11.15am to 12.15pm Effective Preparation for Cross-Examination and Evidence Presentation
- General trial preparation and how this differs for prosecution and defence
- Preparation for evidence-in-chief and cross-examination
- Managing difficult witnesses
- Trial do’s and don’ts
Presented by Catherine Gisler, Wellington Public Defender, Public Defence Service
11.00am to 11.15am Break
Learning Objectives:
- Learn effective interviewing and information gathering techniques to improve investigations
- Understand privacy rights during police searches and resolve disputes under the Search and Surveillance Act
- Improve cross-examination and evidence presentation skills, especially with difficult witnesses, while balancing evidence rules and fair trial rights
Presenters
Robin McCoubrey, Partner, Meredith Connell
Robin's experience includes prosecuting trials of the utmost seriousness, including high-profile cases of homicide, profit-driven organised criminal offending and serious sexual offending. He has appeared in over 100 jury trials before the District and High Courts. He also regularly appears for the Crown in the Court of Appeal and, in one instance, the Supreme Court. He also has considerable experience acting in proceeds of crime litigation, as well as advising and appearing for a number of regulatory bodies.
Tim Bain, Partner, Luke Cunningham Clere
Tim is a Senior Crown Prosecutor and a partner at the office of the Crown Solicitor for Wellington, Luke Cunningham Clere. He regularly conducts jury and Judge-alone trials for the Crown in the District and High Courts, as well as criminal appeals to the High Court and Court of Appeal. Aside from his criminal practice, Tim acts in a wide variety of litigation—including regulatory and disciplinary prosecutions, appeals against statutory decision-making, and judicial review proceedings. He also provides advice to public sector clients on their powers and obligations.
Catherine Gisler, Wellington Public Defender, Public Defence Service
Catherine Gisler is the Wellington Public Defender. Prior to joining the Public Defence Service as a Senior Lawyer in 2019, Catherine worked as a prosecutor for over eight years for both the Police and Crown. She was most recently a Senior Crown Prosecutor at Luke Cunningham and Clere in Wellington.
