Benchbook
The Domestic Violence Benchbook provides all levels of the state judiciary with a comprehensive resource guide to domestic violence civil and criminal proceedings. The benchbook incorporates the applicable requirements of state and federal laws and court cases. It provides information on the dynamics of domestic violence, explains the process governing orders of protection, describes how domestic violence can affect a variety of civil and criminal cases, and addresses pretrial, trial and sentencing issues.

Resources
Interactive Chart: Admissibility of Hearsay Evidence in Domestic Violence Cases
Provides a concise overview of the evidentiary rules that permit or bar introduction of hearsay statements into evidence.

Expert Witness Testimony (applicable to domestic violence and other cases)
This chart explains the basis for admission of expert testimony, including the requirements that the expert be qualified, the expert’s testimony be helpful to the judge or jury, and the expert’s testimony relate to a scientific, technical or other specialized subject. The chart describes how to determine whether the expert’s testimony has sufficient scientific validity for admission.

Online Training
Handling Domestic Violence Cases
This interactive, faculty-based course is designed to teach about domestic
violence and encourage adoption of appropriate domestic violence-related
programs and practices in courts throughout the state. This moderated course lasts eight weeks. Contact Paul Biderman to find out when the next offering begins, or check our calendar.

Domestic Violence Virtual Trial
Developed specifically for the general and limited jurisdiction courts of New Mexico, the Domestic Violence Virtual Trial poses challenging legal, evidentiary and procedural problems that arise from these complex cases. This Virtual Trial consists of short videos depicting attorneys in court arguing motions or evidentiary objections during simulated domestic violence proceedings. Participants are asked how they would rule on each issue, after which the hearing proceeds to its conclusion.