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"good ol= boy" may view concerns with family violence as a threat to the family;
professional women may view the chronic female victim negatively due to a difference
in personal philosophy or motivation. The prosecutor's observations and other
information in this regard should be included for reference in the Trial Notebook.
D. Strategy Considerations
The particular strategy to use in prosecuting a family violence crime will depend, of
course, on the specific facts and nuances of each case. However, there are certain
considerations which the prosecutor should review in every case in developing his/her
trial strategy:
1. Consideration should be given to having the victim seated. at the table with the
prosecutor during the trial in appropriate cases, if the Court permits.
2. The ordering of witnesses should be done so as to emphasize the State's role in the
case. For example, putting officers on the stand first should accomplish this goal.
3. Uncooperative victims should be treated carefully. Questions to him/her should be
phrased in a manner which will develop their motive to lie to protect the defendant.
4. Avoid characterizing the batterer as a devil or a complete reprobate; seek to convey
that on the stated dates and times he committed crimes against the State of Georgia.
5. Decide whether to develop a broad picture of the relationship between the victim
and defendant, or whether to keep it narrow. This may depend on the nature of
other violent incidents and/or unsympathetic acts committed by the victim.
6. Consider using expert testimony on victim and offender dynamics.
7. Consider ways to use hearsay exceptions when confronted with an uncooperative
victim. For example, statements the victim made to officers, neighbors, children,
etc. as coming within the excited utterance or res gestae exceptions; emergency
room records, 911 tapes and printouts, paramedics and fire department records, etc.
as medical or business record exceptions.
8. If children are the victims of or were present during the crime, determine the
feasibility of using them in proving the State's case. In making this decision,
6
See Attachment 2 for a sample Bibliography of available resources.