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Expert Witness

The prosecution should be prepared to put on the stand an expert witness knowledgeable about forensic hypnosis who can explain to the jury the nature of hypnosis and how it works in the interrogation process. The testimony of such an expert witness may be important in dispelling from the jurors' minds any misconceptions and doubts they may have concerning hypnosis. Still, the witness's testimony -- and a defense challenge to the credibility of the witness's hypnotically refreshed testimony -- should normally precede any expert testimony in this area. See, e.g., Awkard, supra.