CFI Legal & Ethical Issues 5

Question 1

Under Federal Rule of Evidence 608, a forensic interviewer's credibility as a witness may be attacked by:

Accepted Answer

Presenting evidence of specific prior acts of dishonesty bearing on truthfulness

Answer

FRE 608(b) permits cross-examination about specific prior acts that are probative of a witness's character for truthfulness or untruthfulness.

Question 2

The ethical obligation of 'objectivity' in forensic interviewing requires the CFI to:

Accepted Answer

Present findings fairly and impartially regardless of the outcome's effect on the case

Answer

Objectivity demands that the CFI present all findings accurately and without bias, even when those findings are unfavorable to the retaining party.

Question 3

When a subject invokes their right to remain silent mid-interview after initially speaking, the interviewer must:

Accepted Answer

Immediately cease questioning on the subject matter invoked

Answer

Under Michigan v. Mosley, once a suspect invokes the right to silence, interrogation must cease; continuing to question after invocation renders subsequent statements inadmissible.

Question 4

A CFI conducting a workplace investigation for a private employer is bound by Miranda requirements:

Accepted Answer

Only if law enforcement is directing or closely coordinating the private investigation

Answer

Miranda applies to custodial interrogations by state actors; private employers are not bound unless law enforcement is so involved that the private investigation becomes a government action.

Question 5

Which ethical obligation does a CFI have when asked by a client to alter or omit findings from a written report?

Accepted Answer

Refuse, as altering findings violates professional integrity and could constitute fraud

Answer

Altering or omitting material findings at a client's request violates the CFI's duty of integrity and may constitute fraud or obstruction of justice.

(CFI) Certified Forensic Interviewer Practice Test

(CFI) Certified Forensic Interviewer Practice Test

CFI Legal & Ethical Issues 5