Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 07/22/08
LAS234 20036-20086	LEC	1 Credit(s)	1 Period(s)
Legal Interviewing
Dynamics of interviews with clients and witnesses. Effective structuring of interviews. Potential inhibitors of and suggested facilitators of effective communication. Prerequisites: LAS109 and (BPC110 or permission of department chair or program director).

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
LAS234   20036-20086	Legal Interviewing

1.	Prepare for an interview. (I)
2.	Identify those factors that interfere with the communication process. (II)
3.	Recognize inhibitors and facilitators of effective communication. (III)
4.	Identify feelings and emotions of the interviewer. (IV)
5.	Describe how to effectively structure an interview. (V)
6.	Identify good listening skills. (VI)
7.	Describe coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult personalities and disturbed individuals. (VII)

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
LAS234   20036-20086	Legal Interviewing

I. Preparation for interview A. Identifying purpose of interview V. Assembling materials necessary for interview C. Gathering background information on individual to be interviewed II. Factors interfering with communication process A. Negative statements at begining and end of conversation B. Conversation shifts C. Excessive protest or explanation D. Association of seemingly unrelated ideas E. Nonverbal messages III. Inhibitors and facilitators of effective communication A. Inhibitors 1. Competing time demands 2. General anxiety 3. Threat to ego 4. Errors in perception 5. Inability to recall event B. Facilitators 1. Mutual expectations 2. Escape from boring routine 3. Catharsis 4. Extrinsic reward 5. Relationship with interviewer IV. Feelings and emotions of interviewer A. Identification and acceptance of one's own feelings and emotions B. Self-image and one's own perception of others C. Danger signals regarding one's own emotions D. Dealing with one's own emotions V. Structuring the interview A. Creating a comfortable environment B. Taking notes during interview C. Getting background information D. Formulating questions 1. Direct questions 2. Open-ended questions 3. Reflective questions E. Checking and probing responses F. Ending Interview VI. Developing good listening skills A. Attaining accuracy of perception B. Seeking clarification C. Becoming aware of ego filters VII. Dealing with difficult and/or disturbed persons A. Recognizing difficult personality types B. Developing coping mechanisms C. Recognizing emotional stress and mental illness D. Sorting ligitimate information out of irrational behavior

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