ACP Criminal Defense Case Preparation 2

Question 1

Which constitutional amendment protects a criminal defendant from being compelled to testify against themselves?

Accepted Answer

Fifth Amendment

Answer

The Fifth Amendment's self-incrimination clause protects defendants from being forced to testify against themselves in criminal proceedings.

Question 2

When a defense paralegal conducts a witness interview, which practice is most important to maintain?

Accepted Answer

Documenting the interview with a written summary or recording with consent

Answer

Proper documentation of witness interviews with appropriate consent protects the integrity of the defense case and provides a reliable record.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a Brady motion in criminal defense?

Accepted Answer

To compel the prosecution to disclose exculpatory evidence

Answer

A Brady motion compels the prosecution to disclose material exculpatory evidence under the Brady v. Maryland doctrine.

Question 4

A defense paralegal discovers that a key prosecution witness has a prior felony conviction. What is the appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Inform the supervising attorney immediately as it may be used for impeachment

Answer

Prior felony convictions can be used to impeach a witness's credibility, making this information immediately relevant for the supervising attorney to evaluate.

Question 5

Which type of expert witness would most likely be engaged to challenge the reliability of eyewitness identification in a criminal case?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive psychologist

Answer

Cognitive psychologists specializing in memory and perception are typically engaged to testify about the limitations and unreliability of eyewitness identification.

(ACP) Advanced Certified Paralegal Practice Test

(ACP) Advanced Certified Paralegal Practice Test

ACP Criminal Defense Case Preparation 2