Legal Aspects of Code Administration: The Role of the Witness (Self-Paced)

Building officials, through the course of their work, may be called upon to testify in court. Whether as a fact witness providing testimony on the events or an expert witness offering specialized knowledge about building codes, knowing the ins and outs of courtroom procedure is vital. This course is designed to provide practical guidelines for building officials to present themselves effectively in administrative and judicial forums. Understanding the difference between a fact witness and an expert witness, how to handle direct and cross-examinations, and how to respond during impeachment and redirect questioning are all critical to success in court. The course will also discuss how building officials can assist attorneys in preparing cases, as well as the qualification process for expert witnesses in a trial setting.