an expert witnesses worst nightmare

Expert witnesses in forensic cases are called upon to testify what the facts are in their 'expert' opinion. But what happens if a defendant is representing himself in a muder case that involves computers and the defendant just happens to be a computer specialist.

http://www.wral.com/news/5287261/detail.html
http://www.crn.com/components/weblog...leId=173602157

and I quote...
"He's a computer geek," Edwards said in an interview Friday. "I think he knew more about MacIntosh computers than the state's witness did. I'm not sure how much the jury caught, but he seemed to be pretty pleased."

and the follow up of how well that defense strategy worked

clicky

of course. Representing ones self never works..never never never. There was so much evidence against the guy that he didn't have a prayer.

i quite agree, im on the high school mock trial team as a lawyer, our case this year actually has a lot to do with computer security which is pretty cool because programming and computer security are some of my favorite things. then this case showed up. I listened to the closing statements and looked at some of the evidence, on any one particular point the defendant may have had some kind of defense, but as a conglomeration, he had no hope, especially representing himself. Some of the questions he asked on his crosses were asking to be torn apart, his closing statement wasnt all that clean either. Representing yourself brings on a lot of emotional stress (one point he could have made on closing to clear up some bad spots), especially when its for a charge like 1st degree murder.

it didnt seem like he did a particularly good job defending himself against the (computer) expert witness, more like that was the only area he was able to defend himself adequately. from the articles i read it didnt show that he was that computer saavy either. he could have easily cleaned up those trails, but he didnt (his only good defense for not doing it?)

his knowledge of law as far as i could tell wasn't adequate to represent himself either, it seems like it was all one big mistake

Ya for a "computer expert" that guy didnt seem to be a very good one. He didnt erase his tracks or anything like that... There is alot more evidence than just the computer stuff... He would have done better with a lawyer but prolly would have still be convicted. I dont know the guy personally or all the details of the case but just from reading that it seems to me he got what he deserved.

Hmm just because you can turn a computer on do a search in google, does that mean your a uber leet computer expert..
Damn those prosecutors like to paint a evil picture of people when ever they can..

Oh and i think that the dude is gonna be regretting the fact that he was being a cheap b@st@rd and not getting himself a lawyer. What he thought that with the money he's saved he'll be able to afford a nice cruise on the caribean..

Damn now he's gonna have tah worry about not being Bubba's Early Christmas Present... :eek:

Quote:

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Then there was the medical examiner, Dr. Thomas Clark. On cross-examination, Petrick asked whether his wife could have died from a drug overdose. It wasn't a wise question, Edwards said.

"Most people who take drug overdoses aren't able to wrap themselves in multiple layers, put chains on themselves and fall into a lake," Clark answered.

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ROFL. He might as well have just asked for the chair to be wheeled in after that. His arrogance probably hung him just as well as the evidence.

Well, maybe I should not say this, but.............

The last time that I was in court, I defended myself.............now, it took the three magistrates (judges) about 30 seconds to dismiss the case................but the chairman was a boozing crony...........and the Chief Clerk to the Court was best man at my subsequent wedding................I have absolute faith in justice!............if I had used a lawer, things might have been different?


:D

well johnno, its none of my business why u had to go to court but, i say defend yourself if its something small but for large matters ( i.e. prison time) hire a lawyer! im glad your not in prison though :)

Quote:

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The last time that I was in court

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This a regular thing Johnno?

Hi Tex~ & Aspman

Thanks for the thoughts..............this was a "marital" thing with my second ex-wife :D

No big deal, and it was dealt with at the minimum cost to the state?

:D

Not quite as regular as getting married ;)

Quote:

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Not quite as regular as getting married

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Well, everyone needs a hobby :D

well I have gone to court twice in which I defended myself. The first time was a civil matter, an issue with a bad neighbor, and the other was traffic related (going /way/ too fast).

Never, ever, would I attempt to defend myself if there was possible jail time. I know my limitations, and I know the age old adage "A man who defends himself has a fool for a client".

Any man who represents himself in a murder trial has a fool for a client.