For Immediate Release

Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Chatham County Prosecutor Trains New Generation

The Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia (PAC) presented its annual Basic Litigation Training Course from June 23-29, 2007 in Forsyth, Georgia at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC). Fifty-three newly hired prosecutors from across the state participated in an intensive six-day seminar. The course is devoted to in-depth lecture sessions as well as workshops that give prosecutors with little or no courtroom experience an opportunity to hone their skills.

Nathanael Wright, Assistant District Attorney of the Eastern Judicial Circuit, was selected by the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council as a faculty member for the training. “I love to teach and give instruction. I remember how tough it was to be a student and wanted to help new prosecutors enhance their skills, as the program did for me,” said Wright.

Wright graduated from SUNY Stony Brook College in 1994 and Suffolk University Law School in 1998. He has been Assistant District attorney for two and a half years. “I love public service,” said Wright.

Faculty members use their experiences to assist with training and educating new prosecutors by placing a significant emphasis on the development of “Theory” and “Theme” based prosecution. And, with a faculty to student ratio of nearly 1-to-1, the Basic Litigation Course conducted in Georgia continues to be one of the most effective courses of its kind.

During the week-long training, instructors emphasized legal subjects such as: opening statements, direct examination, introduction of evidence, use of demonstrative aids, cross examination and impeachment, hearsay, motions, similar transactions and character evidence, expert witness, and closing arguments. The course culminated in a mock trial conducted in front of a volunteer jury.

“Students learn a myriad of things ranging from substantive to stylistic aspects of being a prosecutor,” said Wright. “I found that my students were very smart, eager to learn, had good speaking skills and presence, but needed direction and critique regarding their trial skills.”

When asked if the students made improvements in their performance, Wright answered a resounding yes. “There was a definite difference. At the beginning, they were nervous and disorganized. They were not sure how or when to start. At the end, we were surprised at how comfortable they were,” said Wright.

Wright believes that Basic Litigation training is very important for new prosecutors. “The problem is that prosecutor’s offices are very busy and do not have the time or the resources to train new hires. PAC Basic provides this opportunity and gives students the chance to meet others in their same situation and that adds a level of comfort.”

The Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia presents its Basic Litigation Training Course to new prosecutors every June.