Episode 259 | Just Tools for Effective Courtroom Practices

Original Release Date: September 22, 2023

In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Patricia Powers, an attorney advisor with AEquitas, to discuss her experience working on the Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics training series, as a part of the Bureau of Justice Assistance Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.

The Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics training series aims to identify and develop resources that help prosecutors and other professionals effectively prepare sexual assault cases for trial and bring a victim’s voice to the courtroom. Specifically, utilizing forensic technology and forensic evidence can be important for advancing justice in a sexual assault case. Listen along as Patti describes some of the innovative tools that have been developed through this training series, her experience taking a multidisciplinary approach to training, and the importance of trauma-informed trial preparation.

This episode is funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (Grant No. 2019-MU-BX-K011). This project was supported by Grant No. 2019-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Science · Just Tools For Effective Courtroom Practices

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Episode Citation

Williams, C. & Powers, P. (2023, September 22). Just Science. Just Tools for Effective Courtroom Practices. [Audio podcast episode]. RTI International. https://forensicrti.org/just-science-episode-259/

Related Resources

Guest Biography

Patricia (Patti) D. Powers joined AEquitas after serving as a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Washington state for 27 years, bringing extensive litigation expertise as a well-respected trial attorney. She supervised the Sexual Assault—Domestic Violence Unit and prosecuted a high volume of violent crimes, specializing in adult sexual assault, child sexual assault and abuse, sexual exploitation of minors, domestic violence, and related homicides, including complex litigation of high-profile as well as cold and current cases. Patti served on the domestic violence and child fatality review committees and was a member of the Washington State Technical Assistance Committee for Child Death Review Guidelines. For five years, she was appointed as a Highly Qualified Expert for the United States Army, Criminal Investigation Division. In this role, she provided training for Army Criminal Investigation Agents and prosecutors at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and in Germany. Patti is the lead Attorney Advisor on the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) project.

Episode 259 | Just Tools for Effective Courtroom Practices

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