R V Milat
A Case Study in Cross-examination
By: Dan Howard
R v Milat: A Case Study in Cross-Examination presents the actual transcript of Crown Prosecutor Mark Tedeschi QC's cross-examination of Ivan Milat at his trial in the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1996, for the notorious series of murders in the Belanglo State Forest that became known as the Backpackers Murders.Format: PaperbackThe author, Dan Howard SC, who was Tedeschi's junior counsel at the trial, has extensively annotated the transcript with comments that provide insights into the techniques of advocacy used by the cross-examiner in this singular case study of the art of cross-examination.This book also provides the background to the case, and reproduces numerous plans and photographs that were exhibited in the trial, to enable the reader to closely follow the unfolding of this dramatic courtroom encounter.R v Milat: A Case Study in Cross Examination provides a master class on cross-examination that will be invaluable to experienced advocates and to students of advocacy, and offers a 'front row seat' at a historic trial to anyone interested in the workings of our criminal justice system. This review was first published in The Queensland Lawyer, Volume 34, Part 4. Reproduced with the kind permission of Thomson Reuters. Features · the book presents an entire cross-examination of an accused in a major modern Australian criminal trial · annotations provide expert insights into the techniques of cross-examination · reproductions of photographs and charts that were exhibits in the trial are included
AI Overview
Title: "R v Milat: A Case Study in Cross-Examination" by Dan Howard
Overview: The book "R v Milat: A Case Study in Cross-Examination" by Dan Howard is a detailed analysis of the cross-examination techniques used during the trial of Ivan Milat, a serial killer convicted of the notorious Backpacker Murders in Australia. The book provides a comprehensive study of the cross-examination process, focusing on the strategies employed by Crown Prosecutor Mark Tedeschi QC during the trial.
Key Themes:
- Cross-Examination Techniques: The book delves into the intricacies of cross-examination, highlighting the methods used by experienced advocates to challenge witnesses and build a case.
- Case Background: It provides a thorough background to the Backpacker Murders trial, including the discovery of the victims' bodies and the subsequent investigation that led to Ivan Milat's identification.
- Evidentiary Landscape: The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the evidentiary landscape to effectively conduct cross-examination, which is a critical aspect of criminal trials.
- Trial Dynamics: It offers insights into the dynamics of the trial, including the presentation of evidence, the use of exhibits, and the reactions of the accused and the jury.
Plot Summary: The book is structured around the actual transcript of Mark Tedeschi QC's cross-examination of Ivan Milat. It includes detailed annotations by Dan Howard, providing insights into the techniques of advocacy used during the trial. The narrative follows the cross-examination over several days, with each chapter focusing on a specific day of the trial. The book also includes reproductions of numerous plans and photographs exhibited during the trial, allowing readers to closely follow the unfolding of this dramatic courtroom encounter.
Critical Reception: While specific reviews are not provided in the search results, the book is recognized for its value in teaching criminal trial advocacy. It is praised for its detailed exposition of the evidence and its role in providing a master class on cross-examination techniques. The book is recommended for both experienced advocates and students of law, as it offers a unique study of a single cross-examination in an Australian criminal trial.
Author's Background: Dan Howard is a Senior Counsel at the NSW Bar and has extensive experience in teaching criminal trial advocacy. He was junior counsel to Mark Tedeschi QC during the trial of Ivan Milat and has written extensively on legal topics, including this case study on cross-examination.
In summary, "R v Milat: A Case Study in Cross-Examination" by Dan Howard is a seminal work that provides a meticulous analysis of the cross-examination techniques used in a high-profile murder trial. It serves as a valuable resource for legal professionals and students interested in the art of cross-examination.