2024 Mock Trial Experience

Again this year, our interns met with Dr. Danielle Smith and her husband, Assistance County Attorney, Jared Smith, to get a taste of what to expect when providing expert testimony in a court of law. Interns are provided background and psychological testing information from real (anonymous) patients before coming to trial. Mr. Smith really lays it on thick trying to make our interns nervous and see if he can get them caught up in order to help his “client”. Interns, Shakeira and Sarah, didn’t crack under pressure and gave excellent testimony.

This experience is always fun and a good way to introduce interns into court proceedings. Mr. Smith and Dr. Smith do an excellent job at giving insight into how expert testimonies play out in the justice system and also help our interns learn how to stay cool, calm, and collected while on the stand.

The Honorable “Judge” Mullins-Couch
Sarah swearing an oath to tell the whole truth
She was so relieved when it was over
Shakeira swearing her oath
Shakeira kept a great poker face during her testimony. “Judge” Mullins… not so much!

2023 Mock Trial Seminar

Each year, we meet with Forensic Psychologist (and former WSH intern) Dr. Danielle Smith and her husband, Asst. District Attorney Jarred Smith, Esq., to give our interns a look at how forensic testimony in court proceedings carry out. Jarred does not hold back on grilling our future docs but sometimes “Judge” Vaught throw her weight around as well. It’s a fun, interesting learning experience we are thankful to have offered to us and hope to continue.

Probably the happiest “Judge” ever!
Taylor giving her testimony
Dr. Vaught making sure everyone remembers who the expert is
Mr. Smith, “It’s Dr. Anderson actually”

Former Intern Checks In

 

Dr. Best, class of 2014-2015, reports from Hawaii that a) she has a cold but a cold in Hawaii is better than a cold anywhere else, and b) she and her husband will shortly go swimming with sea turtles.

I wish I could claim that WKPIC prepared her for THAT experience, but alas, I just get to brag that we had her before the post-doctoral position in paradise stole her away.

 

 

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