ABSTRACT
Preparation for court begins long before any actual court date. Analysts who fail to prepare properly should not be surprised when a skillful attorney cuts them to shreds on the witness stand. After such a mauling, and usually while nursing a bruised ego, the analyst is likely to blame the situation on “that unmerciful attorney.” However, if we step into the witness chair unprepared or oblivious to the nature and expectations of the court, then perhaps we deserve such treatment. The culmination of any analysis is to demonstrate in court the conclusion drawn from the analysis. In meeting that end the analyst can never take preparation for trial lightly.
