Functional Legal Competencies Needed to Self-Represent
| Master Basics of Criminal Procedure and Evidence |
| Comprehend and adhere to the rules of criminal procedure |
| Comprehend, apply and execute the rules of evidence |
| Learn scripts for entering exhibits into evidence. |
| Learn available exclusionary challenges to prosecution evidence. |
| Pre-Trial Preparation |
| Investigate and Compile Relevant Facts |
| Interview witnesses. |
| Collect documents that bear on the circumstances of the case. |
| Develop a Theory of the Case |
| Analyze and identify evidence in support of and against the charges. |
| Identify plausible legal defenses to the charges. |
| Prepare Motions |
| Identify motions that need to be filed to protect constitutional and procedural rights. |
| Develop arguments in support of motions. |
| Research and cite relevant law and cases in support of arguments. |
| Write memos to present arguments in support of motions. |
| Prepare and submit motions to the court in accord with procedural requirements. |
| Prepare for Direct Examinations |
| Identify witnesses to call to support defense and prepare subpoenas. |
| Prepare direct examination questions for each witness. |
| Decide on evidence to be admitted in support of testimony. |
| Decide on Jury Strategy |
| Decide on type of jurors who will be favorable to case. |
| Prepare voir dire questions. |
| Trial Tasks |
| Select Jurors |
| Review jury questionnaires and identify jurors to challenge. |
| Conduct voir dire and exercise preemptory challenges. |
| Deliver Opening Statement |
| Conduct Direct Examinations of Witnesses and Experts |
| Follow pre-prepared script and keep witnesses on point. |
| Respond to prosecutor's objections to direct questions. |
| Enter supporting materials into evidence. |
| Conduct Cross Examinations of Prosecution Witnesses |
| Listen to the testimony of prosecution witnesses. |
| Object to violations of the rules of evidence. |
| Develop cross examination strategies based on witness testimony, supporting materials entered into evidence and materials collected during discovery. |
| Deliver Closing Argument |
| Review and analyze evidence presented by prosecution. |
| Identify points of rebuttal based on evidence presented during trial. |
| Create coherent story in support of innocence of charges. |