Writing a Report

There are several key components to writing up a report. These components are very important because if left out, the report can cause problems for the case when in trial. If the information is misstated or misrepresented it can also cause problems during trial. By using these guidelines, a report can be an accurate account of the transaction of events.

¶1. Cover all Grounds

- State who the interview is with

- State that they agreed to the interview

- State that you identified yourself and how you identified yourself

- State that the individual understood who you were and your reason for contacting them. Did you tell them that you work for the Defense Attorney for Person X?

- Then state, “The following is a summary of the account.”

¶2. Why

- Attempt to relate witness to case or defendant

- Explain why you interviewed this person

¶3. Body

- Give a summary of interview

- Conclude with, “So and So had nothing further to add so I terminated the interview.”