CFN Courtroom Testimony and Procedures 2

Question 1

When a forensic nurse is asked a question outside her area of expertise during cross-examination, the most appropriate response is to:

Accepted Answer

State that the question falls outside her area of expertise

Answer

Answer based on general nursing knowledge

Answer

Defer to the prosecuting attorney before answering

Answer

Ask the judge for permission to consult notes

Question 2

The legal term 'voir dire' as it applies to expert witnesses refers to:

Accepted Answer

A preliminary examination to qualify a witness as an expert

Answer

The oath taken before testifying

Answer

The cross-examination phase of testimony

Answer

A written declaration submitted before trial

Question 3

A forensic nurse testifying about victim injuries should describe wound characteristics using:

Accepted Answer

Medical and forensic terminology with clarification as needed

Answer

Lay terminology to ensure jury understanding

Answer

Only photographic evidence to avoid bias

Answer

The victim's own description of the injuries

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the role of a forensic nurse when serving as a fact witness rather than an expert witness?

Accepted Answer

Testify only about personal observations and actions taken during care

Answer

Provide opinions about the cause of injuries

Answer

Interpret forensic evidence collected by other practitioners

Answer

Recommend sentencing based on clinical findings

Question 5

If opposing counsel objects to a question during a forensic nurse's testimony, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Stop speaking and wait for the judge's ruling

Answer

Continue answering the question to avoid appearing uncooperative

Answer

Ask the attorney who called her to clarify the question

Answer

Repeat the question to confirm she understood it correctly

Question 6

The primary purpose of a pre-testimony meeting between a forensic nurse and the calling attorney is to:

Accepted Answer

Review the case facts and clarify the scope of expected testimony

Answer

Coach the nurse on what answers to give

Answer

Develop a litigation strategy to win the case

Answer

Identify weaknesses in the opposing expert's opinion

Question 7

A forensic nurse is asked during cross-examination whether she was paid for her expert testimony. She should:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge compensation honestly and clarify it is for time, not for a specific outcome

Answer

Decline to answer because compensation is irrelevant to facts

Answer

State that she volunteers her services to remain unbiased

Answer

Refer the attorney to her retainer agreement without answering