tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21200792469458546552024-03-17T20:04:34.687-07:00Cross-Examination BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-14068638248071113272024-03-16T13:55:00.000-07:002024-03-16T13:58:24.909-07:00New Book Website - ronclarkbooks.com<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ronclarkbook.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1247" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJYG5EvikSX5Hqfc3y34NtvsRRt9eKgGEue-dOmrSDKPdzsHZy4h3h0adYBoeqY9fVKAcMPFtyoP3BghyHkEnTti85tFwyhXXiB4Uv1vZGTaskb1CDNMvNeYvvkY5xSrgfk2axcwgtTNb5tGFJfCHXLH4hRvtWZwSbGDCGz-ti9vZix-PCZ_DJdd9G5Vx/w660-h357/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-15%20at%205.37.46%20PM.jpeg" width="660" /></a></div> <p></p><p>I'm just delighted that my new website was published - <a href="http://ronclarkbooks.com">ronclarkbooks.com</a> Hope you visit it. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-90659245762959948962024-02-07T16:42:00.000-08:002024-02-07T16:42:00.146-08:00Delivering a Powerful Presentation<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1mVta4G2yaTQE8RFsze-Vq5VpAh4OJXRPd4Y3EgfMORbbds3TKU0FAhm31UxJuDI8zKNemYHNEczVQegPzDxjkmKJNqJuQJSQCN-zpIyHos7Opz6HLJYzac5Yj6aJPMiNtbW6VIIyCx3UKUoE7b-_RwpD7OdQGwR6UCgyRIY1_EC2KS6Qws4uOAz7G1b/s7583/1%20(1)%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5550" data-original-width="7583" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1mVta4G2yaTQE8RFsze-Vq5VpAh4OJXRPd4Y3EgfMORbbds3TKU0FAhm31UxJuDI8zKNemYHNEczVQegPzDxjkmKJNqJuQJSQCN-zpIyHos7Opz6HLJYzac5Yj6aJPMiNtbW6VIIyCx3UKUoE7b-_RwpD7OdQGwR6UCgyRIY1_EC2KS6Qws4uOAz7G1b/w594-h435/1%20(1)%202.jpg" width="594" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The following is an excerpt from Powerful Presentation Handbook - a book that can serve as a guide whenever you are making a presentation whether it is given in or out of a courtroom.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">CRAFTING THE CONTENT OF A PRESENTATION</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There are three guiding principles for selecting and designing the content of your presentation: (1) a purpose and passion; (2) suitable to the audience; and (3) engage and entertain.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>PURPOSE AND PASSION </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">First, have a passion and a purpose. As Danielle Kennedy says, “The speaker’s objectives are like the writer’s thesis statement. What are you trying to say? Accomplish? What is the purpose of the speech? It’s mission statement? If you don’t know, should the audience guess?” Selling the Danielle Kennedy Way, Danielle Kennedy (1991)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What are you going to talk about? What are you trying to say? Accomplish? Is the subject of your presentation decided by others or is that left up to you? Usually, you will be asked to speak on the subject because you are knowledgeable about it. However, you might be assigned to speak on a subject upon which you are not well versed. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">No matter how you arrive at the assigned subject, you want to make the subject your own—to know what you want to get across to your audience—your purpose. When the subject of your talk is your own and you have a purpose, you will have a passion for your subject, enabling you to speak from your heart and mind to your audience. If you can’t make the speech your own, don’t give it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Nothing is more dynamic than a person who has purpose and a passion for the subject and wants to deliver the message from the speaker’s heart to the hearts of people in the audience. In Chapter 3 “Lessons in Eloquent Rhetoric”, we can tell from their speeches that Reverend King, Oprah Winfrey, Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama, and Gerry Spence each had a purpose and passion for their subject matter. Each of them radiated their purpose and passion to the audience. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>SUITABLE TO THE AUDIENCE</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The second principle for crafting the content of a successful presentation is to make sure that the audience needs and wants to learn about the subject. If the presentation does not meet listeners’ needs and wants, it is not worth giving. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The topic must fit what the audience wants and needs. Sometimes, while the audience members may need to learn about a subject, they do not want to listen to a talk on the subject. If that is the situation, they are not going to learn much. If the audience needs to learn about a subject but does not naturally want to learn about it, you must create the desire to know. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Creating a want to know in the audience can be accomplished by explaining to the audience why they should care about the subject of your talk. For example, when I worked at the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina, every week a new contingent of state and local prosecutors came to Columbia to receive training at the Center. They were there to become better prosecutors. What did they want? They wanted practical information that would help them perform their job. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">While the attendees at the Center needed a presentation on prosecutor professionalism—legal ethics—to become better prosecutors, a lecture on the subject was not one they, as a matter of course, were looking forward to and wanted. Because the attendees did want practical information, it was important for the presenter to explain, with the aid of every-day practical examples, that ethics violations can result in mistrials and reversals of convictions. An ethic’s presentation framed around this practical information coupled with advice concerning how to avoid professional responsibility pitfalls was one that the prosecutors wanted in the lecture on prosecutorial professionalism.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ENGAGE AND ENTERTAIN</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The third principle for selecting and crafting your powerful presentation is—find material that will engage and entertain the audience. Yes, entertain them. To accomplish this, the speaker must do the necessary brainstorming and research. Where do we get the material to include in the presentation? The first and best source is your creative mind. When you are motivated by either glee or fear that you are going to give a talk, ideas will start flowing. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The ideas may include a joke, a story, a demonstration, a personal experience, an anecdote, and so on. Get out of the way and do not pass judgment on the ideas that come to you because you are brainstorming. Do not initially reject a train of thought because on later reflection what you initially thought was not a good idea, could indeed be usable. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Write down your ideas. Put them in a file on your computer. Label the file with the date of your talk and title of the presentation. When an idea comes to you, put it in the file. Keep a tablet by your bed or a phone so you can record the ideas when they come to you in the middle of the night.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some notions that are winners:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Naturally, anything supporting the message you want to impart to the audience.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stories: Use stories to make a point. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A joke that is pertinent to the topic.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Quotations: They are useful to drive home a point. A quote is good if it is from a well-known, respected figure. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Transcript: If the subject is trial work, an excerpt from a trial transcript could fit in the talk. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Extended anecdotes work well. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Demonstrations: Demonstrations can highlight a point you want to make.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Rhetorical devices, such as an analogy, simile or metaphor, which will be discussed in the next chapter.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The topic of your talk will dictate to you what research you need to do. Discuss your talk with the person who asked you to make the presentation; find out what the person wants to get across to the audience. Read everything can get your hands on about the subject. Talk to people who are knowledgeable on the subject. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you are interested in reading more of the book, you can locate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Powerful-Presentation-Handbook-Crafting-Delivering-ebook/dp/B0BYQ77SXV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32N8FI14WA4XN&keywords=powerful+presentation+handbook&qid=1707094158&sprefix=powerful+pres%2Caps%2C681&sr=8-1">Amazon by clicking here.</a> It is only $7.99 in paperback and free on Kindle Unlimited.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-2776895440195113432024-02-04T16:01:00.000-08:002024-02-04T16:05:01.951-08:00Cross-Examining Trump<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFG7ZXEgfQV8xXV6U5j0OagmgcR10Gk3xcjHLKNG3e9ucK4CK6KUjmkU6vSBf8I92dUpFDIhEd3lFH1EKXD0Eekj00RkXw9aoTvv78zm85xHZDfjDdkWTsgw-UvYicXN3NVOf8bxn1oASfu1vpMtghnq4rhNKufe8YApTv9otLPAOEa1unURHct6Zoxqi/s2048/carroll.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFG7ZXEgfQV8xXV6U5j0OagmgcR10Gk3xcjHLKNG3e9ucK4CK6KUjmkU6vSBf8I92dUpFDIhEd3lFH1EKXD0Eekj00RkXw9aoTvv78zm85xHZDfjDdkWTsgw-UvYicXN3NVOf8bxn1oASfu1vpMtghnq4rhNKufe8YApTv9otLPAOEa1unURHct6Zoxqi/w602-h376/carroll.jpeg" width="602" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Trial lawyers think differently from other human beings when they evaluate a person. First, they evaluate what the person has to offer in the case in the context of the rules of evidence. The trial lawyer ponders whether or not what the witness has to offer is admissible in evidence. If the witness hurts the case, the lawyer may move to keep the witness off the stand or exclude part of the witness’s testimony as inadmissible under the rules of evidence. If what the witness offers is helpful, the lawyer comes to court prepared to argue it is admissible under the rules.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Second, the trial lawyer evaluates what the witness has to offer in terms of whether it helps or hurts the case. Obviously, if it hurts, the lawyer turns to the rules of evidence in hopes of being able to keep the witness off the stand or exclude the harmful part of the witness’s testimony. Conversely, if what the witness offers is good for the case, the trial lawyer will want the witness to take the take the stand and get the evidence the witness can provide admitted into evidence.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">With those two concepts in mind, consider Donald Trump’s involvement in the E. Jean Carroll case in which the jury awarded plaintiff Carroll $83.3 million. Defense counsel called Trump to the stand, and he testified for around three minutes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let’s evaluate Trump as a witness from the plaintiff’s lawyer’s perspective utilizing the two criteria—admissibility of the evidence and whether or not the evidence is helpful or harmful. Regarding admissibility of the evidence, to the extent that Trump wanted to continue denying he sexually assaulted Carroll, the plaintiff’s had the court’s ruling on the evidence that that issue had been resolved during the first trial and that testimony that the sexual harassment did not happen would not be allowed. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Second and most fascinating is how the two sides evaluated what Trump contributed to the case in terms of whether it was good or bad. It’s hard to fathom why defense counsel put him on the stand and let him behave the way he did in the courtroom. He offered little during his three minutes on the stand.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plaintiff’s counsel were delighted by Trump’s performance and gave it high marks for helping the plaintiff’s case. As they have said in public interviews after the trial, the plaintiff’s themes for the case were that Trump was a bully who thought the rules did not apply to him, and Trump’s courtroom behavior offered corroboration for those themes. Trump not only spoke loudly so the jury could hear him when he should not have done so, and he walked out the courtroom during opposing counsel’s closing argument, which is a breach of courtroom decorum. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">The court probably instructed the jury to evaluate a witness’s testimony in terms somewhat along these lines:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">"In considering a witness's testimony, you may consider these things: the opportunity of the witness to observe or know the things they testify about; the ability of the witness to observe accurately; the quality of a witness's memory while testifying; <i>the manner of the witness while testifying; any personal interest that the witness might have in the outcome or the issues; any bias or prejudice that the witness may have shown;</i> the reasonableness of the witness's statements in the context of all of the other evidence; <i>and any other factors that affect your evaluation or belief of a witness or your evaluation of his or her testimony.</i>" (Emphasis added)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also, the jury was considering punitive damages - what it would take to stop Trump from defaming Carroll - and his demeanor and behavior didn't help him.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Clearly in the minds of E. Jean Carroll and her lawyers, Trump’s demeanor and behavior helped their case. Short cross-examination if any was called for. </span></div><div><br /></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-66138468726223231212023-12-23T13:19:00.000-08:002023-12-23T13:19:36.332-08:00Seeking Justice<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9tEvB_rnmUiuXriyes9HMVq7vjQZe1iVn8w4y4kGxlBrzJC-VCbnCWprrKEPCxGSpiWgO6rvejGuhqDzTQaEbK_RqUXwATRTsDrpmK0SJver0X2NkF5mrexI6ubWOyGl2IH9trvNRudGA684CaGx3czuuI12IRpZehyphenhyphenPGZ-j9Qi0YDUhH8pmdeAUp4T9/s210/justice.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="210" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9tEvB_rnmUiuXriyes9HMVq7vjQZe1iVn8w4y4kGxlBrzJC-VCbnCWprrKEPCxGSpiWgO6rvejGuhqDzTQaEbK_RqUXwATRTsDrpmK0SJver0X2NkF5mrexI6ubWOyGl2IH9trvNRudGA684CaGx3czuuI12IRpZehyphenhyphenPGZ-j9Qi0YDUhH8pmdeAUp4T9/w424-h424/justice.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">For most of the virus isolation year, I worked on a new book—<i><a href="For most of the virus isolation year, I worked on a new book—Roadways to Justice: Reforming the Criminal Justice System. The book was published by Full Court Press, Fastcase, Inc. Roadways to Justice is a history of efforts to reform the criminal justice system, and it is somewhat of a memoir. Beginning in 1969, I worked as a prosecutor in the King County Prosecutor’s Office in Seattle Washington for 27 years. Following that for 8 years I was the Senior Training Counsel at the National Advocacy Center in South Carolina where state and local prosecutors were trained. During that time, I also served as the program manager of continuing legal education programs for the National College of District Attorneys. In 2004, I returned to Seattle and have been a Distinguished Practitioner in Residence at Seattle University Law School where I teach Trial Advocacy, Pretrial Advocacy, Essential Visual Litigation and Technology, and Essential Lawyering Skills. In addition, I’ve taught in over 40 states at continuing legal education course and internationally in the Balkans. The central focus of Roadways to Justice is how to reform the criminal justice system. The King County Prosecutor’s Office has had remarkable successes in reforming the justice system, and what success the one prosecutor’s office has had provides a roadmap for others who want to make a meaningful difference in the American criminal justice system. The book has received some really nice reviews like this five-star review: "For those who doubt the criminal justice hasn’t changed for eons, this book is a must read. The author, a nationally known former prosecutor and educator, outlines through personal experience how the system has evolved in the last 40 years. He paints a picture of how the public prosecutor’s office has played a leadership role in this evolution, from dealing with public corruption, the death penalty and juvenile justice to providing training on a national level to new prosecutors. "Mr. Clark’s use of actual events and cases in which he was involved brings home how the system can be steered by prosecutors dedicated to doing the right thing."">Roadways to Justice: Reforming the Criminal Justice System</a></i>. The book was published by Full Court Press, Fastcase, Inc.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="For most of the virus isolation year, I worked on a new book—Roadways to Justice: Reforming the Criminal Justice System. The book was published by Full Court Press, Fastcase, Inc. Roadways to Justice is a history of efforts to reform the criminal justice system, and it is somewhat of a memoir. Beginning in 1969, I worked as a prosecutor in the King County Prosecutor’s Office in Seattle Washington for 27 years. Following that for 8 years I was the Senior Training Counsel at the National Advocacy Center in South Carolina where state and local prosecutors were trained. During that time, I also served as the program manager of continuing legal education programs for the National College of District Attorneys. In 2004, I returned to Seattle and have been a Distinguished Practitioner in Residence at Seattle University Law School where I teach Trial Advocacy, Pretrial Advocacy, Essential Visual Litigation and Technology, and Essential Lawyering Skills. In addition, I’ve taught in over 40 states at continuing legal education course and internationally in the Balkans. The central focus of Roadways to Justice is how to reform the criminal justice system. The King County Prosecutor’s Office has had remarkable successes in reforming the justice system, and what success the one prosecutor’s office has had provides a roadmap for others who want to make a meaningful difference in the American criminal justice system. The book has received some really nice reviews like this five-star review: "For those who doubt the criminal justice hasn’t changed for eons, this book is a must read. The author, a nationally known former prosecutor and educator, outlines through personal experience how the system has evolved in the last 40 years. He paints a picture of how the public prosecutor’s office has played a leadership role in this evolution, from dealing with public corruption, the death penalty and juvenile justice to providing training on a national level to new prosecutors. "Mr. Clark’s use of actual events and cases in which he was involved brings home how the system can be steered by prosecutors dedicated to doing the right thing."">Roadways to Justice</a></i> is a history of efforts to reform the criminal justice system, and it is somewhat of a memoir. Beginning in 1969, I worked as a prosecutor in the King County Prosecutor’s Office in Seattle Washington for 27 years. Following that for 8 years I was the Senior Training Counsel at the National Advocacy Center in South Carolina where state and local prosecutors were trained. During that time, I also served as the program manager of continuing legal education programs for the National College of District Attorneys. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In 2004, I returned to Seattle and have been a Distinguished Practitioner in Residence at Seattle University Law School where I teach Trial Advocacy, Pretrial Advocacy, Essential Visual Litigation and Technology, and Essential Lawyering Skills. In addition, I’ve taught in over 40 states at continuing legal education course and internationally in the Balkans. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The central focus of Roadways to Justice is how to reform the criminal justice system. The King County Prosecutor’s Office has had remarkable successes in reforming the justice system, and what success the one prosecutor’s office has had provides a roadmap for others who want to make a meaningful difference in the American criminal justice system. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The book has received some really nice reviews like this five-star review:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"For those who doubt the criminal justice hasn’t changed for eons, this book is a must read. The author, a nationally known former prosecutor and educator, outlines through personal experience how the system has evolved in the last 40 years. He paints a picture of how the public prosecutor’s office has played a leadership role in this evolution, from dealing with public corruption, the death penalty and juvenile justice to providing training on a national level to new prosecutors.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Mr. Clark’s use of actual events and cases in which he was involved brings home how the system can be steered by prosecutors dedicated to doing the right thing."</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-66138267766628828152023-12-14T17:38:00.000-08:002023-12-14T17:39:55.538-08:00Cross-Examination in Major Cases: Case Against 8--Lesson 1<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3wPfvXz2vJXdPuPQAG0Zs5fZRZm2luaL0mPCBBQPuNLaXMbtBq2ENvEhCPVrXza8MHCbrCylZI36YgblxFVUrcC4W7Sd8UbP-MmiFEW9a6TLxAhoNi_nMpASt16NI5zNNTmCJ6BfNayneFxFg0RwgdYiq7sRII1moFz49mWJDGoddWrtQ6jYfjFEoGcM/s1290/8.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1290" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3wPfvXz2vJXdPuPQAG0Zs5fZRZm2luaL0mPCBBQPuNLaXMbtBq2ENvEhCPVrXza8MHCbrCylZI36YgblxFVUrcC4W7Sd8UbP-MmiFEW9a6TLxAhoNi_nMpASt16NI5zNNTmCJ6BfNayneFxFg0RwgdYiq7sRII1moFz49mWJDGoddWrtQ6jYfjFEoGcM/w586-h286/8.png" width="586" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Cross-Examination Lessons from Major Cases: Lesson 1--Catch the Truth</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">David Boies (preeminent trial lawyer in such cases as the Microsoft antitrust case and the Gary Shandling case) and Theodore Olson (former Solicitor General and opposing counsel to Boies in Bush vs. Gore) served as co-counsel in the California Proposition 8 case. Olson commented on how Boies cross-examined and deposed the defense experts in that case as follows:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">“People think it happens all the time because it happens on television. What we used to call a ‘Perry Mason moment’ when the witness breaks down and confesses. That does not happen. But it sort of does happen when David does it.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What does David Boies have as his goal when he examines opposing witnesses to elicit concessions? Regarding his goal for examining witnesses, he made this observation regarding how he approached the experts in the Proposition 8 case: “Before you can get a witness to admit the truth you have to get the witness to understand what the truth is.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In essence, when Boies deposes an adverse witness or cross-examines a witness, he seeks to have the witness admit the truth. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This is neither a new nor novel concept. In Francis L. Wellman’s <i>Art of Cross-Examination</i>, which was published in 1903 and is still in print, a New York trial lawyer Emory Buckner wrote: “More cross-examinations are suicidal than homicidal.” He attributed this to a mistake in conception as to the purpose of cross. Buckner explained: “The purpose of cross-examination should be to catch the truth, ever an elusive fugitive.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The following is an example of Boies extracting the truth from a defense expert witness Katherine Kay Young in the case against Proposition 8:</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Boies – Q: Do you believe that children are advantaged by increasing the durability of the relationship of the couple raising them?</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Young – A: Yes</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Q: And you believe allowing gay couples to marry will increase the durability of the gay couples relationships?</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A: Okay, I’d say yes.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Q: And increasing the durability of these relationships is beneficial to the children they’re raising, correct?</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A: On that one factor, yes.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Boies has put it this way: “Cross-examination is probably the best we have to really get at the truth. We put somebody on the witness stand, call them to answer questions and it takes an extraordinary person to be able to successfully lie with out being tripped up.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Examination-Handbook-Persuasion-Strategies/dp/0735598436 ">Cross-Examination Handbook</a></i> we explain not only why catching the truth is the primary objective of cross but also how to seize the truth from the witness no matter how clever or evasive the witness is.</span></p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-32234016861295718262023-11-30T12:42:00.000-08:002023-11-30T12:42:17.585-08:00Coming in the Near Future: New Edition of Evidence Book<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsr65DwxqkZr0nUOoXgngCfN5f4w4SCCJbjL7NLGHUIHjgm9NpkX3GmcWXKWh1RsrDYkVOptR9RvPCkjJk_z-o9S6oS4ro_Me1nnv_uSksT7xe1SbkIpC3an47yHD5_VWBG3yJDBvZrlU773Ueb6fBVVb-BjZT72lwvJdoPMuoFxeQbJiX4EXyKHgFsiS/s392/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-30%20at%2011.52.19%20AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="274" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsr65DwxqkZr0nUOoXgngCfN5f4w4SCCJbjL7NLGHUIHjgm9NpkX3GmcWXKWh1RsrDYkVOptR9RvPCkjJk_z-o9S6oS4ro_Me1nnv_uSksT7xe1SbkIpC3an47yHD5_VWBG3yJDBvZrlU773Ueb6fBVVb-BjZT72lwvJdoPMuoFxeQbJiX4EXyKHgFsiS/w444-h634/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-30%20at%2011.52.19%20AM.jpeg" width="444" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Good news today. Aspen Publishing wants to do a new edition of our Evidence book.</span><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-70474723287760039972023-11-24T13:08:00.000-08:002023-11-24T13:13:17.137-08:00Working and Want a Law Degree--Flex JD Program<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4sG0NFxX_mlHoaOMC9aaLC8ju0hC6YZuAawipqaE1AZReXTwdojZUTLoeCutAXr_kRRnL1Zn5ur55G7ZefCfnzWsAft2_dAW0lJKagoAmyHIn6Yjl1TNY63CtOBZz8f2lZS1zspLAsQj1kz7OrO6V3Aa6YwrYycnApu-9hAFI_7koFt5dUa2hCjPwcSw/s1340/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-24%20at%201.01.43%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1340" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4sG0NFxX_mlHoaOMC9aaLC8ju0hC6YZuAawipqaE1AZReXTwdojZUTLoeCutAXr_kRRnL1Zn5ur55G7ZefCfnzWsAft2_dAW0lJKagoAmyHIn6Yjl1TNY63CtOBZz8f2lZS1zspLAsQj1kz7OrO6V3Aa6YwrYycnApu-9hAFI_7koFt5dUa2hCjPwcSw/w579-h295/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-24%20at%201.01.43%20PM.jpeg" width="579" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Beginning this Spring Seattle University Law School will offer my Comprehensive Pretrial Advocacy Flex JD course. It is a 4-credit course. Flex JD courses are designed for students who are working. They are hybrids—for example, my Pretrial Advocacy course involves one synchronous online Zoom session per week running from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and two in-person weekends at the law school. Students in the Flex JD program can graduate in four, rather than three, years.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The curriculum of my course while organized to fit this pattern will cover the same material and experiences that an in-person at the law school course covers. One big difference is that students will be interacting with and submitting work on a very robust Canvas web page. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The text for the course is my <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pretrial-Advocacy-Planning-Analysis-Coursebook/dp/1543847552/ref=sr_1_2?crid=PXC3H4PNVMJ1&keywords=pretrial+advocacy+book+clark&qid=1700860022&sprefix=pretrial+advocacy+book+clark%2Caps%2C402&sr=8-2&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.304cacc1-b508-45fb-a37f-a2c47c48c32f">Pretrial Advocacy: Planning, Analysis and Strategy</a></i> 6th edition, which is being published by Aspen Publishing. </span></p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-76307835985395624332023-11-13T16:48:00.000-08:002023-11-14T11:40:56.747-08:00Cross-Examining Donald Trump <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNDeIFglnDDZYP_g94NCqGFdN5ULOiefkiZtux3BEaJFCUenBrrgBPL14ndnBHKwKQ8ZAR_kQroAZOEwwdfrhaWr5E3xFNZTtX404ph_0C-p0A87I9NI0XEYlSjpDjWzNpVlji-5m8vm11LmlHqiEjoH8gcWU7ndK87VgQ5kwSLwkS_YRKAhY3Dvdyghyphenhyphen/s259/trump.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNDeIFglnDDZYP_g94NCqGFdN5ULOiefkiZtux3BEaJFCUenBrrgBPL14ndnBHKwKQ8ZAR_kQroAZOEwwdfrhaWr5E3xFNZTtX404ph_0C-p0A87I9NI0XEYlSjpDjWzNpVlji-5m8vm11LmlHqiEjoH8gcWU7ndK87VgQ5kwSLwkS_YRKAhY3Dvdyghyphenhyphen/w581-h435/trump.jpeg" width="581" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Trump is currently in trial in the Trump civil fraud trial. He was called to the stand by the Attorney General’s office in the civil fraud trial. In a criminal trial, the government cannot call the defendant to testify because the defendant has a 5th Amendment right. In this civil case, however, the government could and did call the defendant Trump to testify, and defendant Trump could have exercised his 5th Amendment right. However, in the civil case, the factfinder (in this bench trial, Judge Engoron) could draw an adverse inference if defendant Trump were to take the 5th. For example, if Trump refused to answer a question posing that he inflated the price of a piece of real estate, the judge could infer that he did inflate the price.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Why did the AG call Trump as a witness? It was because Trump had to admit facts supporting the government’s case, such as heading his business and ownership of his real estate, and so on. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">That brings us to the question—why didn’t the defense cross-examine Trump?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> First off, this is not the usual cross-examination. The usual cross involves counsel examining the other side's witness, using cross to elicit concessions and/or impeach the witness. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here, however, defense counsel is questioning the defendant, and ordinarily, the defense attorney would ask the defendant open-ended questions allowing the defendant to lay out information favorable to the defense case. This assumes that the defendant would benefit the defense case with the helpful testimony. Also, this assumes that the defendant is a normal person and a person who has at least a scintilla of information that would benefit the defense.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In this case, however, the defense, when defense counsel was offered the opportunity to examine Trump and gather beneficial evidence, defense counsel responded, “No questions.” Normally, defense counsel says “No questions” when the witness has not hurt the defense case and cannot benefit by asking any questions. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here, on the other hand, the defense risked that defendant Trump would further build the government’s case. Watch this interview with former US Attorney Chuck Rosenberg.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="527" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EpzEsdkI3Io" width="634" youtube-src-id="EpzEsdkI3Io"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-29541511599107428412023-11-07T14:55:00.001-08:002023-11-07T14:55:08.110-08:00Book Review: "Companion to Enduring Cross-Examination Texts"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmb5SqE85rL9e5lhDzJbiPwv5g-ll1U-LlF68RCj_MNk4GM53yupfXmmR5yqZ2owZcwK8CuFqXIaUsBV5Q_-BYlKkGyaYDzz763Sk7EXJDJv2rXCUdT5SJHIKFR1mQgkuvCvOyAJ9oZXfJSA_SaGixCZKUliYWHilV82MUKL4pfWMVoVwTtYWm7s0JhJ7/s690/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-07%20at%202.47.14%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="494" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmb5SqE85rL9e5lhDzJbiPwv5g-ll1U-LlF68RCj_MNk4GM53yupfXmmR5yqZ2owZcwK8CuFqXIaUsBV5Q_-BYlKkGyaYDzz763Sk7EXJDJv2rXCUdT5SJHIKFR1mQgkuvCvOyAJ9oZXfJSA_SaGixCZKUliYWHilV82MUKL4pfWMVoVwTtYWm7s0JhJ7/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-07%20at%202.47.14%20PM.jpeg" width="229" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I wanted to share Munish Bharti's kind review of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Examination-Handbook-Persuasion-Strategies-Techniques/dp/1454852003/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8JRE3KSZY9ST&keywords=cross+examination+handbook&qid=1699396654&sprefix=cross++examinaton+%2Caps%2C856&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc">Cross-Examination Handbook</a></i>. It reads as follows:</p><p>5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Companion to Enduring Cross-examination Texts</p><p>Cross-examination has been described as “the greatest legal engine ever invented for the discovery of truth.” JOHN H. WIGMORE, 5 WIGMORE, EVIDENCE §1367, at 32 (Chadbourn rev. 1974). Yet, according to authors Clark, Dekle, Sr., and Bailey, “[t]oo few trial lawyers are good at cross-examination.”</p><p>Readers rejoice: this book provides the building blocks for preparing and conducting winning cross-examinations. This book explains the concession-seeking cross, basic impeachment concepts, and how to use visuals and exercise control over the recalcitrant, unruly witness.</p><p>This book is an essential companion to:</p><p>(1) LARRY POZNER AND ROGER J. DODD, CROSS-EXAMINATION: SCIENCE AND TECHNIQUES (LexisNexis 2d ed. 2004);</p><p>(2) FRANCIS L. WELLMAN, THE ART OF CROSS-EXAMINATION (Macmillan Co. 4th ed. 1936); and</p><p>(3) JAMES H. MCCOMAS, DYNAMIC CROSS-EXAMINATION: A WHOLE NEW WAY TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES TO WIN (Trial Guides 2011).</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-65544946893966863342023-10-31T17:54:00.000-07:002023-10-31T17:54:16.206-07:00Questions about the Books<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='563' height='468' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwB74IAC_Jd4iBk3rAYOTobpVgpg0D88fmvVLpRsGqKkoUAsqJ2seeA3gipmSzrkNsI5V8PZNyQW6EFjeindQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-15390907902672274172023-10-27T12:26:00.006-07:002023-10-27T12:26:46.696-07:00Critical Cross-Examination Checklists<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHdCY9FGLNJUloZKHi2SbGBJI14_Z7LVPmUsCM5qlf_Sn7UbAWnWXMDbB29iGnRwA9rmD_y3uPoT_G84pN-mRnpSRpo2KRFlQZ5XSbmlC7R3QtNt48j2XdlEgHR3TpA1jf9Y8speFArL91TRYiJgy-rYzxPNdBvNXramQ8zaQVCQUDkDh7VCvo_7UZHlk/s2048/flight-preparations-with-a-checklist..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHdCY9FGLNJUloZKHi2SbGBJI14_Z7LVPmUsCM5qlf_Sn7UbAWnWXMDbB29iGnRwA9rmD_y3uPoT_G84pN-mRnpSRpo2KRFlQZ5XSbmlC7R3QtNt48j2XdlEgHR3TpA1jf9Y8speFArL91TRYiJgy-rYzxPNdBvNXramQ8zaQVCQUDkDh7VCvo_7UZHlk/w568-h378/flight-preparations-with-a-checklist..jpg" width="568" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Checklists are critical to cross-examination. To illustrate the importance of checklists, Dr. Atul Gawande tells the true story of an October 30, 1935 airplane flight competition that the U.S. Army Air Corps held at Wright Air Field in Dayton Ohio to determine which military-long range bomber to purchase. Boeing’s “flying fortress” was the likely winner. But, after the plane reached three hundred feet, it stalled, turned on its one wing and crashed, killing its pilot and another of its five crew members. The pilot had forgotten to release a new locking mechanism on the elevator and rudder controls. The plane was dubbed “too much airplane for one man to fly.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Nevertheless, a few of the Boeing planes were purchased, and a group of test considered what to do. They decided that the solution was a simple pilot’s checklist. With the checklist in use, pilots flew the B-17 1.8 million miles without an accident. Dr. Gawande in his book The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right (p. 34) concludes, “Much of our work today has entered its own B-17 phase. Substantial parts of what software designers, financial managers, firefighters, police officers, lawyers, and most certainly clinicians do are now too complex for them to carry out reliably from memory alone. Multiple fields, in other words, have become too much airplane for one person to fly.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Dr. Gawande who heads the World Health Organization’s Safe Surgery Saves Lives program recounts that after the World Health Organization introduced the use of checklists for surgeons, research of nearly 4000 patients showed the following: major complications fell 36 percent; deaths fell 45 percent; infections fell almost 50 percent. Rather than the expected 435 patients expected to develop complications, only 277 did. The checklist spared 150 patients from harm and they spared 27 of those 150 from death. (The Checklist Manifesto, p. 154)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Just as checklists are critical for pilots and doctors, they are necessary for cross-examiners as well. At the end of almost every chapter in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Examination-Handbook-Persuasion-Strategies-Techniques/dp/1454852003/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MLCYAEE8LTN5&keywords=cross+examination+handbook&qid=1698434707&sprefix=cross+examination+handbook%2Caps%2C371&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc">Cross-Examination Handbook: Persuasion, Strategies and Techniques 2nd Edition </a></i>is a checklist of matters that are essential to effective cross-examination. The following is an example of a checklist that follows the chapter in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Examination-Handbook-Persuasion-Strategies-Techniques/dp/1454852003/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MLCYAEE8LTN5&keywords=cross+examination+handbook&qid=1698434707&sprefix=cross+examination+handbook%2Caps%2C371&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc">Cross-Examination Handbook</a></i> that focuses on exposing the false or exaggerated nature of what the witness reports on the stand. </span></p><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Checklist: Impeachment Cross: </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Improbability </b></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Evidence of improbability is relevant and therefore admissible because it makes what the witness claims less probable. Fed. R. Evid. 401402. </span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Under Fed. R. Evid. 611(b) and a similar state rule, cross should be limited to “matters affecting the credibility of a witness,” and a cross that reveals that the testimony is improbable goes to the witness’s credibility. </span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The reduction-to-the-absurd technique exposes improbability by extending the original premise of the witness to an absurd result. </span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The common-sense technique highlights the witness’s assertion and shows that it is unlikely because it defies common sense. </span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The contradictory-conduct technique emphasizes the witness’s claim and then contrasts it with the person’s actions under the theme that action speaks louder than words. </span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Prior Inconsistent Statements </b></span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Federal Rule of Evidence 613 and state equivalent rules provide that a witness may be examined about prior inconsistent statements. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If the witness admits the prior statement, extrinsic evidence of the statement may be excluded as cumulative under Rule 403. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If the witness does not unequivocally admit the prior statement, extrinsic evi dence of the statement is admissible. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The witness must be given an opportunity to deny or explain the statement. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The prior statement is admissible only for impeachment, not substantive, purposes unless admissible under another rule of evidence. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Avoid impeaching with minor inconsistencies, except: </span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. When the cumulative effect of the minor inconsistencies show the witness is not credible; or </span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. When necessary to force an evasive witness to yield concessions. </span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t pluck a prior statement out of context because, under the rule of complete- ness as stated in Fed. R. Evid 106, opposing counsel can have the rest of the statement introduced contemporaneously, which may open the door to what would otherwise be inadmissible evidence. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Eight essential techniques for impeachment with a prior inconsistent statement are: </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Recognize the inconsistency; </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Retrieve the prior statement; </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Repeat the testimony; </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reinforce the truthful statement with where said, when said, who heard, what said, and whether said; </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reference the prior statement; </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Resonate with the jury; </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">7.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Read or display; and </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">8.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Refute the witness’s denial. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Utilize the deposition strategy to extract the same answers from the witness that were given at the deposition. Apply the eight essential techniques when impeaching with a deposition. </span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> With video deposition clips the impeachment has a greater impact on the jury than with just the transcript. </span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Impeach the witness’s trial testimony by revealing that the witness previously failed to act or relate the same information when it would have been human nature to do so. </span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Contradiction </span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Extrinsic evidence contradicting a witness is admissible if it is relevant and substantive, not collateral. </span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Having a witness comment on the credibility of another witness—pitting—is improper. </span></span></div></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-79547564379457384352023-10-16T14:02:00.005-07:002023-10-16T14:02:50.388-07:009 Golden Rules of Cross-Examination<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvZAeIUlXld09JYbUpakw26ohf6D6ph7pyn_q8QgqcdVXLVRdAJgp16bInUw8N8ZY9iXeFK4qkU9bjMfRbktkfp-clDhZBZVVYwTbs9a_nnHkgHkmw_Di5v4EKdraYv9lH1eBijNnx9funSf4HPuxAhMl0eF5q8HJjQq1fDOWJ3ilXgxu3xEed7DqyeZ2/s275/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvZAeIUlXld09JYbUpakw26ohf6D6ph7pyn_q8QgqcdVXLVRdAJgp16bInUw8N8ZY9iXeFK4qkU9bjMfRbktkfp-clDhZBZVVYwTbs9a_nnHkgHkmw_Di5v4EKdraYv9lH1eBijNnx9funSf4HPuxAhMl0eF5q8HJjQq1fDOWJ3ilXgxu3xEed7DqyeZ2/w518-h345/images.jpeg" width="518" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The 9 golden rules of cross is advice from David Paul Jones’s Rules of Cross-Examination, a British barrister who wrote them over a century and a half ago. They still hold true today. The 9 are as follows:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Except in indifferent matters, <b>never take your eye from that of the witness</b>; this is a channel of communication from mind to mind, the loss of which nothing can compensate. Truth, falsehood, hatred, anger, scorn, despair, and all the passions--all the soul--is there. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">2. <b>Be not regardless, either, of the voice of the witness</b>; next to the eye this is perhaps the best interpreter of his mind. The mental reservation of the witness--is often manifested in the tone or accent or emphasis of the voice.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">3. <b>Be mild with the mild; shrewd with the crafty; confiding with the honest; merciful to the young, the frail, or the fearful; rough to the ruffian, and a thunderbolt to the liar. But in all this, never be unmindful of your own dignity. </b>Bring to bear all the powers of your mind, not that you may shine, but that virtue may triumph, and your cause may prosper.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">4. <b>An equivocal question is almost as much to be avoided and condemned as an equivocal answer</b>; and it always leads to, or excuses, an equivocal answer. Singleness of purpose, clearly expressed is the best trait in the examination of witnesses, whether they be honest or the reverse. Falsehood is not detected by cunning, but by the light of truth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">5. But in any result, be careful that you <b>do not lose your temper</b>; anger is always either the precursor or evidence of assured defeat in every intellectual conflict.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">6. Like a skillful chess-player, <b>in every move, fix your mind upon the combinations and relations of the game-</b>-partial and temporary success may otherwise end in total and remediless defeat.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">7. <b>Never undervalue your adversary</b>, but stand steadily upon your guard; a random blow may be just as fatal as though it were directed by the most consummate skill; the negligence of one often cures, and sometimes renders effective, the blunders of another.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">8. <b>Be respectful to the court and to the jury</b>; kind to your colleague; civil to your antagonist; but never sacrifice the slightest principle of duty to an overweening deference toward either.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">9. Thus, as you rise to cross-examine a witness, you should be armed with the skill to adopt the style required for this particular witness and jury, the technique to search out the truth, the knowledge of guidelines that have developed over the centuries, and, <b>most important, the wisdom to discern the proper combination of style and technique you need to serve well the consummate role of the cross-examiner--the truth giver.</b></span></p><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-78218680809120841642023-10-11T09:02:00.000-07:002023-10-11T09:02:02.354-07:00New Book Launched with Lawyer Jokes<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOFxhOmtoO_-V2YTFd5kSJNbwlp_K4uyqNSp6PvUYVGBPcMQqlQRqSWeISb3BqqnbTGKbUtg6V4tEI6ko5Q-yT-SkockD2jfc_fG_F_ncNTuFplDW7qKNHuMV0NGze6Vnwq24IQ7Nz3OkQ-JeEmfQ8l8cr3eU1xX6TFaMdfBkzLzn7MYgVmukfVgUzibW/s1500/Free%20Checklist%20Blog%20Pinterest%20Idea%20Pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="659" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOFxhOmtoO_-V2YTFd5kSJNbwlp_K4uyqNSp6PvUYVGBPcMQqlQRqSWeISb3BqqnbTGKbUtg6V4tEI6ko5Q-yT-SkockD2jfc_fG_F_ncNTuFplDW7qKNHuMV0NGze6Vnwq24IQ7Nz3OkQ-JeEmfQ8l8cr3eU1xX6TFaMdfBkzLzn7MYgVmukfVgUzibW/w438-h659/Free%20Checklist%20Blog%20Pinterest%20Idea%20Pin.png" width="438" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I’ve spent my adult life as a lawyer and law professor, and I believe that practicing law is engaging in a noble profession. Nonetheless, I do enjoy and laugh at lawyer jokes, humorous stories about lawyers’ faux pas, law puns, and other such witticisms, and I want to pass them on to you. </p><p>Humor can be an invaluable way to break the ice when giving a presentation. Amusing anecdotes can enliven any speech. Lawyer gaffes can serve as illustrations of mistakes to avoid when practicing law, such as suffering the backfire from asking a “Why” question on cross-examination. Lawyer jokes also show the human side of lawyers. </p><p>Consequently, I have with diligence and arduous, exhaustive research compiled this brand-new authoritative <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lawyer-Humor-Handbook-Transcripts-Witticisms-ebook/dp/B0CKNWKSXW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25E89Z1LFFGN9&keywords=lawyer+humor+handbook&qid=1697039716&sprefix=lawyer+humor+handbook%2Caps%2C606&sr=8-1"><i>LAWYER HUMOR HANDBOOK: The Complete Tome of Lawyer Jokes, Stories, Amusing Transcripts, Puns, and Witticisms</i>.</a> </p><p>The <i>Handbook</i> is chockfull of witticisms, including: 210 humorous lawyer stories, 62 courtroom transcripts with lawyer gaffes, 83 question and answer lawyer jokes, 19 law school amusements, 38 punchy puns and word-play bits, 2 Legal writing funny pieces, and 26 hilarious one-liners. </p><p>I hope that you get some chuckles from this <i>Handbook</i> and pass the jests you like on to others (the <i>Handbook</i> is a great gift for a lawyer) unless they can’t take a lawyer joke.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-82809116072989391272023-10-06T13:19:00.010-07:002023-10-06T13:29:24.704-07:00Five Star Review: Eradicating American "Prosecutor Misconduct"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJ7GGnZkauRbDMlfAhFm4ECsO5y1iAhCyyaY9O_hw88J9fzF1s_N10SAVrbB-EfvtR814CCnjw8zjbnfz-6QAd72MTfQQfEXc7Aongx_9CHDBIJjCaSaBGp0-yY5md62HzcbHIyOsaMUqS7NhUyO18A510MY8QtJpaq_3uRymEiD7WchducBlB_Qcx8-6/s630/21844.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="630" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJ7GGnZkauRbDMlfAhFm4ECsO5y1iAhCyyaY9O_hw88J9fzF1s_N10SAVrbB-EfvtR814CCnjw8zjbnfz-6QAd72MTfQQfEXc7Aongx_9CHDBIJjCaSaBGp0-yY5md62HzcbHIyOsaMUqS7NhUyO18A510MY8QtJpaq_3uRymEiD7WchducBlB_Qcx8-6/w501-h334/21844.gif" width="501" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">See more reviews and get your copy ---- <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ERADICATING-AMERICAN-PROSECUTOR-MISCONDUCT-Prosecutors/dp/B0BW2QM5RD/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2ZTUI0K3ZCSQW&keywords=eradicating+american+prosecutor+misconduct&qid=1696621490&sprefix=ERADICATIng+Am%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1#customerReviews">Click Here</a> </span> </p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-3564586406229128812023-09-29T11:10:00.000-07:002023-09-29T11:10:01.063-07:00The Movies Teach Cross-Examination and More Trial Advocacy<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='524' height='436' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyOOYtIcTTqse_NjirmH74PEI1STycLJjVpyV_FMb-mK0iGRoxW9GLk_29xqKzSDv05rDrNRg54uagcj8x7Cw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">For more reviews and more about the book click on the following: <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Trial-Advocacy-Goes-Movies-Strategies-ebook/dp/B0BSP94CRN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QB240MZNVBEB&keywords=trial+advocacy+goes+to+the+movies&qid=1696010875&sprefix=trial+advocacy+goes%2Caps%2C236&sr=8-1">Trial Advocacy Goes to the Movies: Go to the Movies for Lessons in Trial Strategies, Techniques and Skills </a></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshmiHnkJ9KudyuOlAAdJl3pZ1SBvcUBmrIXf__G9dY2YtvH73n_7orhGDngMInQeQgx44tEDP6u9ElRDCON3Wtt6lSseKapzr_kdiDOZF2x7DVy45Hk9mdfgM76lX-ngVVgjTZ0_RcG8O8C2HqULQg-LngoyZjZco1B4XGEweA5c5YfB2T_1eYElqVO7f/s607/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-02%20at%204.48.52%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="375" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshmiHnkJ9KudyuOlAAdJl3pZ1SBvcUBmrIXf__G9dY2YtvH73n_7orhGDngMInQeQgx44tEDP6u9ElRDCON3Wtt6lSseKapzr_kdiDOZF2x7DVy45Hk9mdfgM76lX-ngVVgjTZ0_RcG8O8C2HqULQg-LngoyZjZco1B4XGEweA5c5YfB2T_1eYElqVO7f/w396-h640/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-02%20at%204.48.52%20PM.jpeg" width="396" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-77592245199233683162023-09-26T12:42:00.004-07:002023-09-26T12:42:26.721-07:00HOW TO PREPARE A WITNESS FOR CROSS-EXAMINATION<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-IaC72-qXzaaff2t7dQ3zmUGqCMDQ9RWi_arT1_YraSCVlHBKf36aLF2vKY2XC6jmM34c2ipK1fPTVL9vp1E8sG5saCoReTFeJzl4RCW4SWc-aB9hmS81amN5URhI-9WEW2hRf843pTfQjdGnHlH-xZ-qj0QdB9vYp41Va73QWuGmMwg3zLz4GT7jwvN/s1500/beige%20feminine%20pinterest%20pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="581" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-IaC72-qXzaaff2t7dQ3zmUGqCMDQ9RWi_arT1_YraSCVlHBKf36aLF2vKY2XC6jmM34c2ipK1fPTVL9vp1E8sG5saCoReTFeJzl4RCW4SWc-aB9hmS81amN5URhI-9WEW2hRf843pTfQjdGnHlH-xZ-qj0QdB9vYp41Va73QWuGmMwg3zLz4GT7jwvN/w387-h581/beige%20feminine%20pinterest%20pin.png" width="387" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Even when opposing counsel is equipped with the skills and strategies covered in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Examination-Handbook-Persuasion-Strategies-Techniques/dp/1454852003/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16IL9BDLOI6Y6&keywords=cross+examination+handbook&qid=1571952456&s=books&sprefix=CROss+exami%2Caps%2C205&sr=1-1">Cross-Examination Handbook</a></i>, they will not have enough to do damage to the credibility of a tough witness. A tough witness is one who is armed with the truth and has been thoroughly prepared to testify at trial. </p><p>What is entailed in the thorough preparation of a witness for cross-examination? The following is an indispensable checklist along with notes for thorough and effective witness preparation that you can use when you prepare your witness. And, when you come up against the tough witness, you know that opposing counsel has relied upon a similar checklist. </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Preparation for the courthouse and courtroom:</p><p><br /></p><p>–<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Courthouse – where is it? Note: It is not unheard of that a witness will go to the wrong courthouse or courtroom. Tell your witness not only where the courthouse is but also where the courtroom is located.</p><p>–<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Courtroom Layout. Notes: Much of your witness preparation is designed to familiarize the witness with everything. Most people have a fear of the unknown, and this preparation can alleviate some of that fear. Either show the witness a diagram of the courtroom or take the witness to the courtroom. If you have a child witness, definitely take the child to the courtroom, have the child sit in the witness chair and otherwise learn about the courtroom. Tell the witness who the courtroom players are and where they will be positioned in the courtroom, such as where the clerk, bailiff and court reporter are situated (except for the defendant in a criminal case which could result in a mistrial).</p><p>–<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’ts: Notes: Tell the witness not to discuss case in or around the courthouse. because jurors may be on the street around the courthouse or in the halls or on the elevator. Instruct the witness to not enter the courtroom until summoned because witnesses are excluded. This does not apply to the client(s) and to the detective in a criminal case.</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Preparation on the witness’s role and substance:</p><p><br /></p><p>–<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Witness’s Role. Notes: Tell your witness to tell the truth. If it hurts, tell the truth. Tell your witness that the only instruction that you have given them regarding what to say is—tell the truth. Ask the witness, “What damaging information is out there?” You need to know because only if you know what it is, can you deal with it.</p><p>–<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Review Prior Witness Statements. Notes: Have the witness review all prior witness statements that the witness has given. Tell the witness before the witness goes over the statement that the witness should not feel wed to what is in the statement. If there is something erroneous, the witness should let you know.</p><p>–<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cover the Witness’s Story. Notes: Go over the witness’s story in detail and probe for any weaknesses. If there is a weakness, have the witness explain. Witnesses are commonly not good at estimating things like time and distance. Go over this. For example, if the witness says that the two individuals were five feet apart, have the witness show you how far they were apart using objects in the room.</p><p>–<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Practice Direct Examination. Notes: Walk through it. Practice with exhibits and demonstrations</p><p>–<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Practice Cross-Examination. Notes: Explain to the witness that you are going to step into opposing counsel’s shoes and conduct a cross-examination (you may have another colleague do it). Ask tough questions that you expect from the other side. Tell your witness not to worry about cross-examination because the witness is telling the truth.</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Preparing the Witness on How to Testify:</p><p><br /></p><p>–<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>MRPC 3.4(b) prohibits coaching to testify falsify. Notes: However, you can help the witness be a good communicator. Help the witness be Confident, Clear and Credible. </p><p>–<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. Have a Good Appearance. Notes: Tell the witness to dress appropriately for court. When sitting in the witness chair, the witness should have good posture—sit up straight. Speak clearly, and here you can explain the role of the court reporter and the need to speak clearly and not to rapidly. The witness should avoid distracting habits, such as chewing gum or fiddling with a pen.</p><p>–<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. Courtroom Rules. Notes: Tell the witness that if there is an objection, stop talking and listen for directions regarding what is to be done next. Tell the witness that if they can’t remember something, say so. And, explain how you may seek to refresh recollection if the witness can’t recall and the procedure for refreshing recollection.</p><p>–<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3. Communication on Direct. Notes: Tell your witness that only the jury counts, and that the witness should talk to them. If court procedures permit, explain that you will stand at the end of the jury box so that the witness will be looking down the jury box towards you. Tell the witness that this courtroom positioning is intended to remind the witness both to speak up so the furthest away jurors can hear and to look the jurors in the eyes and talk to them as though they were having coffee together. Tell the witness that the jurors have no axe to grind with the witness and they are just trying to learn the truth, which the witness will deliver.</p><p>–<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4. Communication on Cross. Notes: Discuss keeping composure on cross. You can explain that the witness should never get cute or argue with the questioner. To assist the witness with that endeavor, you can explain that while the witness will not be able to address the jury after testifying, counsel may and in doing so, counsel can comment on the witness’s lack of composure and how the witness’s demeanor showed the witness was not credible. Explain that contrary to direct examination when the witness should look at the jurors, during cross, the witness should look directly at counsel. Instruct the witness listen carefully to the question that is asked and answer it directly. Don’t volunteer information. </p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-16000228116852077832023-09-25T13:51:00.006-07:002023-09-25T13:54:59.394-07:00TRIAL WORK AXIOM: EXAMINE EXHIBITS BEFORE THEY GO TO THE JURY OR OUCH!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Pu_vplSxEgc59wfOeMGqLUmPDXGcaoaQqee6qv6qhXQdM_-NWBbugnBOH4My4hgZ8-sq5ofZWudHcgT5oXlG8WQfnWgsHhA7WZi_oyyNQpBGI5sV56sNpamDD1TuGSbnYGCM2jBbSmlqdSeEeDeSZNI8pqFWFV45OxTFoi_OJrhbjGUnFVM5Xu5VsDD_/s1500/Black%20Modern%20Photocentric%20Technology%20Tips%20Pinterest%20Pin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Pu_vplSxEgc59wfOeMGqLUmPDXGcaoaQqee6qv6qhXQdM_-NWBbugnBOH4My4hgZ8-sq5ofZWudHcgT5oXlG8WQfnWgsHhA7WZi_oyyNQpBGI5sV56sNpamDD1TuGSbnYGCM2jBbSmlqdSeEeDeSZNI8pqFWFV45OxTFoi_OJrhbjGUnFVM5Xu5VsDD_/w395-h594/Black%20Modern%20Photocentric%20Technology%20Tips%20Pinterest%20Pin.png" width="395" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">An irrefutable principle is that a trial lawyer should carefully <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/2120079246945854655/1600022811685207783">examine every exhibit</a> that may go to the jury room. This bears repeating because of the consequences. Adhere to this rule or live to regret it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">One cautionary tale I use to drive home this point in my advocacy classes involves the trial of a criminal sexual conduct, first degree burglary and kidnapping case involving a 72-year-old woman victim. An Orangeburg, South Carolina trial judge granted a mistrial ruling that the jury was prejudiced by evidence not submitted at trial. Jurors found a confession in the back pocket of the pants (defendant) Bradley was wearing when police arrested him. The pants had been admitted into evidence, but the document had not.</span> </p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-69686896398117090482023-09-20T15:16:00.000-07:002023-09-20T15:16:18.362-07:00New Lawyer Jokes Book in Progress<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-YICrqLUqYicRThEbms7PsLh3Mg9eQw7wgEgTAyhe-3M0PWMSdCFdnZ01xpCUI3CkzIu-vBnny8d0Ael5jUw41HLdG36xctSSPauEconapjvdmEtgsv1OBH2dc4rBeLDkYSSO9mR8mB0Dc5Dld9ZqNnz3RSgAK2oQ9Pkpi8cSsYGDfLRgJyHeO3k3x_S/s1500/White%20Blue%20Beige%20Modern%20Pinterest%20Pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="646" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-YICrqLUqYicRThEbms7PsLh3Mg9eQw7wgEgTAyhe-3M0PWMSdCFdnZ01xpCUI3CkzIu-vBnny8d0Ael5jUw41HLdG36xctSSPauEconapjvdmEtgsv1OBH2dc4rBeLDkYSSO9mR8mB0Dc5Dld9ZqNnz3RSgAK2oQ9Pkpi8cSsYGDfLRgJyHeO3k3x_S/w430-h646/White%20Blue%20Beige%20Modern%20Pinterest%20Pin.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm currently working on a new book on Lawyer Humor and this is a piece of it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Law schools should focus on producing professional communicators—lawyers—who are effective writers. However, Bryan A. Garner in his column for the ABA Journal titled, “Why Lawyers Can’t Write” with the subtitle: “Science has something to do with it, and law schools are partly to blame.” stated:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">While lawyers are the most highly paid rhetoricians in the world, we’re among the most inept wielders of words. Stop and think about that. The blame goes primarily to law schools. They inundate students with poorly written, legalese-riddled opinions that read like over-the-top Marx Brothers parodies of stiffness and hyperformality. And they offer law students little if any feedback (on substance, much less style) from professors on exams and writing assignments. (ABA Journal, March 2013, p. 24)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Garner was echoing the theme of Jim McElhaney, advocacy instructor and ABA Journal contributor for 25 years, who wrote this in a September 2012 ABA Journal article: </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Law school is as much obscure vocabulary training as it is legal reasoning. At its best, it can teach close thought and precise expression. But too often law school is reverse Hogwarts – where Harry Potter trained to be a wizard – that secretly implants into its students the power to confuse other people instead of sowing the magic seeds of clarity and simplicity.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">So we lard our speech and writing with words and phrases of awkward obscurity and rarely have anything to do with legal precision but that unmistakably say, ‘This was written – or said – by a lawyer.’</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Because we are professional communicators, it is our obligation to be plain and simple. It’s not our readers’ and listeners’ jobs to try to understand us. It’s our job to make certain that everything we write and say commands instant comprehension.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And because we weren’t turned out that way by our law school training, we have to reprogram ourselves if we want to be effective communicators. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One day in contract law class, the professor asked one of his better students, "Now if you were to give someone an orange, how would you go about it?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The student replied, "I’d write a contract that says, ‘Here's an orange.’"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The professor was livid. "No! No! Think like a lawyer!"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The student then responded, "Okay, I'd write, ‘I hereby give and convey to you all and singular, my estate and interests, rights, claim, title, claim and advantages of and in, said orange, together with all its rind, juice, pulp, and seeds, and all rights and advantages with full power to bite, cut, freeze and otherwise eat, the same, or give the same away with and without the pulp, juice, rind and seeds, anything herein before or hereinafter or in any deed, or deeds, instruments of whatever nature or kind whatsoever to the contrary in anywise notwithstanding...’"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is another example—in a pretrial ruling on a motion for a more definite statement in a complaint, the Honorable Ronald B. Leighton, United States District Judge, Western District of Washington at Tacoma, Washington provided gems of judicial humor when discussing a pleading. In Presidio Group, LLC, vs. GMAC Mortgage, LLC. Judge Leighton's order granting the motion began with William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2, Line 90: “Brevity is the soul of wit.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The good Judge then went on to point out that “(b)revity is also the soul of a pleading. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(a). The Federal Rules envision a “short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief.” He then described portions of the 465-page Complaint:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Not before page 30 does the Complaint address the facts alleged. Plaintiff’s allegations continue for 87 pages – including a 37-page pit-stop to quote e-mails. (Compl. 39-76). The Court notes, with some irony, that in his response opposing Defendants’ motions for a more definite statement, the Plaintiff successfully states his allegations in two pages.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Then, in granting the motion, Judge Leighton added a bit of his own poetry:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Plaintiff has a great deal to say</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But it seems he skipped Rule 8(a),</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">His Complaint is too long,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Which renders it wrong,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Please re-write and re-file today.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">______________________________</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">To assist lawyers, Sally Bulford, a Utah prosecutor, provided these witty writing pointers for lawyers under the title “How to Write Good”:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Avoid alliteration. Always.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Avoid cliches like the plague. (They're old hat.)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Employ the vernacular.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">5. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">6. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">7. It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">8. Contractions aren't necessary.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">9. Foreign words and phrases are not apropos.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">10. One should never generalize.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">11. Eliminate quotations. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">12. Comparisons are as bad as clichés.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">13. Don't be redundant; don't use more words than necessary; it's highly superfluous.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">14. Be more or less specific.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">15. Understatement is always best.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">16. One-word sentences? Eliminate.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">17. Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">18. The passive voice is to be avoided.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">19. Go around the barn at high noon to avoid colloquialisms.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">20. Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">21. Who needs rhetorical questions?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">22. Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-16337339248724010102023-09-10T13:35:00.003-07:002023-09-10T13:43:08.883-07:00Not Just for Cross-Examination: Handbook for Public Speakers<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmywun1YF4vv_bWrhCDRftEnssAI-qV8GU1nbiH5sGKWf_VZhpKVuNiXdBOgDv0G-oaR43jD-txKYGoL7T8v8OtYNVToRXgT-7M8KCARfU_rmsSeVh_vIcb64HGcApFxESSfPXWcSTwbY4hH_YDYDFhXe2DhfM-PntwzFzkHy2k0JofNGnfDoXocMCRJL/s1500/Blue%20professional%20pinterest%20pin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmywun1YF4vv_bWrhCDRftEnssAI-qV8GU1nbiH5sGKWf_VZhpKVuNiXdBOgDv0G-oaR43jD-txKYGoL7T8v8OtYNVToRXgT-7M8KCARfU_rmsSeVh_vIcb64HGcApFxESSfPXWcSTwbY4hH_YDYDFhXe2DhfM-PntwzFzkHy2k0JofNGnfDoXocMCRJL/w376-h565/Blue%20professional%20pinterest%20pin.png" width="376" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Something for trial, something for cross-examination and something for other occasions. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Powerful-Presentation-Handbook-Crafting-Delivering-ebook/dp/B0BYQ77SXV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TTLM3RLQUF05&keywords=powerful+presentation+handbook&qid=1694378355&sprefix=%2Caps%2C320&sr=8-1 ">Click here for the book on Amazon </a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-61020160583560824802023-09-05T11:41:00.004-07:002023-09-05T11:41:57.510-07:00How to Cross-Examine the Evasive Witness <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRs9u4bWhffnv8IrCy8o4u2rzMzWrD8mewZcIphnFhenmjUbL2WzOahN3qYxB-L6leQfb3Hewe2F7ZMjr2_pVuB7UZ60B9XiDhNXzyZYl5GgENjmBe3ZzZ23VRh37hUrpECFXSUor4YApwoOXxzFrbQLNSmZQzdT8csbMMauZsNI_U6FmVZgwg3vIz3Gu/s1500/Black%20and%20White%20Simple%20Blog%20Post%20Pinterest%20Pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="641" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRs9u4bWhffnv8IrCy8o4u2rzMzWrD8mewZcIphnFhenmjUbL2WzOahN3qYxB-L6leQfb3Hewe2F7ZMjr2_pVuB7UZ60B9XiDhNXzyZYl5GgENjmBe3ZzZ23VRh37hUrpECFXSUor4YApwoOXxzFrbQLNSmZQzdT8csbMMauZsNI_U6FmVZgwg3vIz3Gu/w427-h641/Black%20and%20White%20Simple%20Blog%20Post%20Pinterest%20Pin.png" width="427" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In Chapter 10 of the <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Examination-Handbook-Persuasion-Strategies-Techniques/dp/1454852003/ref=sr_1_1?crid=K6CYEXSOJ2Z8&keywords=cross+examination+handbook&qid=1693939237&sprefix=cross+examination+hand%2Caps%2C1136&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc">Cross-Examination Handbook</a></i>, we explore the different methods witnesses use to evade the question and how to control the witness. Recently, the inimitable Elliot Wilcox discussed this topic in a blog piece entitled, “How to Detect 'Non Answers' During Cross-Examination” Here’s what Elliot Wilcox has to say on the subject:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Prof. John Henry Wigmore argued that "Cross examination is the greatest legal engine ever invented for the discovery of truth." But that's only true if the cross-examination is conducted by a skilled examiner. Cross-examination is a tool, and like any other tool, its effectiveness is limited by the hand that wields it. In the hands of a master craftsman, cross-examination can achieve remarkable results. In the hands of a novice, it can often cause more harm than good.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">To become a quality cross-examiner, you must master the ability to critically listen to witness's answers and identify the weaknesses, fallacies, and evasions in their responses. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">One of the more common evasions you'll need to recognize is the "non-answer." Expert witnesses and well-prepped witnesses are the best masters of the "non-answer." At their finest, their responses don't even appear to be evasive. They'll make it sound like they've answered your question, but in fact, they're completely side-stepping it. They do this by telling you something that you hope to hear or giving you a response that sounds like what you need to hear. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If you've ever watched a political interview, you've probably seen "non-answers" in action. The interviewer asks a pointed question, but instead of receiving a direct answer, he gets a non-responsive answer like this one:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: Are you prepared tonight to say that you've never had an extramarital affair? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: I'm not prepared tonight to say that any married couple should ever discuss that with anyone but themselves. I'm not prepared to say that about anybody... I have acknowledged causing pain in my marriage...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Some of your witnesses have mastered the art of giving non-responsive answers. It's your obligation as a cross-examiner to ask follow-up questions and extract your desired answer. Here are some examples of "non-answers" you should listen for:</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Non-Answer #1: Completely Avoiding the Issue</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: Does this skirt make me look fat? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: I love you. (Or you can try Dave Barry's response: Sticking a fork in one or both eyes to avoid answering... it's much less painful!)</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Non-Answer #2: Describing Expected Procedures</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: Did you request a CAT-scan? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: It's normal procedure to request a CAT-scan in those circumstances. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: When was the President informed of your decision?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: Protocol demands that the chief executive be immediately apprised of matters like this.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Non-Answer #3: Saying What You Will Do or Hope to Do</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: Do you support higher salaries for judges?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: I think that's an important issue that we should address.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: How soon will you have the weaponized virus contained?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: We're doing everything we can.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Non-Answer #4: Answering a Question with a Question</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: Did you lock the store before you left that evening?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: Why wouldn't I?</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Non-Answer #5: Telling What They'd Normally Do in the Situation</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: Did you check for tire wear patterns? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: Normally, I would...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: No, what did you do?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: Did you call for backup before approaching the car? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: Usually, in these situations...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: What specifically did you do in this situation?</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Non-Answer #6: Describing What Others Did</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: Did you find any drugs in the car? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: We found several packages of cocaine in the center console.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: No, what did you find?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: Who located the firearm?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: Our SWAT team found the firearm in the back bedroom.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Non-Answer #7: Guessing or Supposing</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: Did you read the warning label?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: I'm pretty sure I would have.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Non-Answer #8: The Speech or the Argument</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: I'll ask for the fourth time. You ordered --</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: You want answers?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: I think I'm entitled to them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: You want answers?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: I want the truth!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: You can't handle the truth! Son, we live in a world that has walls. And those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives...You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty...we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending something. You use 'em as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it! I'd rather you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to!</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Non-Answer #9: Half-Truths or Half-Answers</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: Did you have a conversation with Moff Tarkin about his plans for the Alderran System?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: I spoke with Moff Tarkin on numerous occasions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: Did you order the Code Red?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: I did the job you sent me to do.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">To succeed as a cross-examiner, you need to be prepared to recognize these non-answers and respond immediately. Many witnesses, especially expert witnesses, are adroit at giving you a non-responsive answer while appearing to fully answer your question. Once you recognize what they're trying to do, you can counter by asking follow-up questions and pinning them down with a direct response.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-75938052585359631772023-08-29T14:35:00.001-07:002023-08-29T14:35:20.507-07:00How Not to Cross-Examine a Witness: Courtroom Humor<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5KtYW6y97UtzKqIPX3Z0lGSdEW0r8vYDnFIVnsGrLSCrRYMQB95eEm3PniFU6zgn9sHzmtnlzE3vVsnmcTsv0ua5V0hw5WMeaHda1jJacgpwcb-1EGRL75hcthZiZ41UN_UzACv9_lgnQnXUuiLJnSlgzobHBW5dyFJ8xnFlo8PUIF3wcItdqPnykdtI/s1500/Free%20Checklist%20Blog%20Pinterest%20Idea%20Pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5KtYW6y97UtzKqIPX3Z0lGSdEW0r8vYDnFIVnsGrLSCrRYMQB95eEm3PniFU6zgn9sHzmtnlzE3vVsnmcTsv0ua5V0hw5WMeaHda1jJacgpwcb-1EGRL75hcthZiZ41UN_UzACv9_lgnQnXUuiLJnSlgzobHBW5dyFJ8xnFlo8PUIF3wcItdqPnykdtI/w313-h471/Free%20Checklist%20Blog%20Pinterest%20Idea%20Pin.png" width="313" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Don’t shoot yourself in the foot. Leading questions on cross. Leading questions. Leading questions. Open-ended cross-examination questions can have repercussions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The following is a courtroom cross-examination exchange between a defense attorney and a plaintiff farmer with a bodily injury claim. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: "At the scene of the accident, did you tell the constable you had never felt better in your life?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: "That's right."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Q: "Well, then, how is it that you are now claiming you were seriously injured when my client's auto hit your wagon?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A: "When the constable arrived, he went over to my horse, who had a broken leg, and shot him. Then he went over to Rover, my dog, who was all banged up, and shot him. When he asked me how I felt, I just thought under the circumstances, it was a wise choice of words to say I've never felt better in my life."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Source: Houston, Texas insurance agent.</span></p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-18321539279867569062023-07-21T16:47:00.001-07:002023-07-21T16:47:39.476-07:00New Book Launch: Management and Leadership Handbook<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-X2MxYzPnqg9CSuRAlqgqyBVLFuWPlQ2VXUAsnYd1DceDpOZ4JU2DrZ0s37yurJdugCi-Rge5_1kPr22GZ4CpTSn1thP1ixFmcEi-YRkxkoeiNlc6CceQEIrcJ7k9T6cWKoevmPmHzdzFloBqgXdC1tqK56UDjch-bGpf3iMocLh-AgK8UEhRp4JwQmt/s5550/9.ebook%20cover%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5550" data-original-width="3725" height="545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-X2MxYzPnqg9CSuRAlqgqyBVLFuWPlQ2VXUAsnYd1DceDpOZ4JU2DrZ0s37yurJdugCi-Rge5_1kPr22GZ4CpTSn1thP1ixFmcEi-YRkxkoeiNlc6CceQEIrcJ7k9T6cWKoevmPmHzdzFloBqgXdC1tqK56UDjch-bGpf3iMocLh-AgK8UEhRp4JwQmt/w366-h545/9.ebook%20cover%20copy.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's something a little different--my new book, which was just launched. If you’re looking for guidance on how to achieve excellence and job satisfaction as a manager and leader in your law office or other organization and you want excellence and job satisfaction for the people in your organization, this Management and Leadership Handbook may be for you. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This concise yet comprehensive Handbook is jammed with practical instructions on how to develop and exercise your management and leadership strategies and skills. The advice and wisdom in this book are derived not only from my 27-years of experiences in a prosecutor's office, two years with the National College of District Attorneys, six years with the National Advocacy Center and almost twenty years with Seattle University Law School but also from the best-of-the-best literature and teachers on management and leadership. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This Handbook contains:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A discussion of the distinction between a manager and leader and guidance on how to perform the roles and functions of both </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ways to prevent and eradicate the root causes of burnout—the stress builders and job changers</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Strategies for setting realistic goals for yourself and your colleagues</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Concrete advice on how to make people matter—to show appreciation and give support</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Insights into the importance of participative decision making and how to put it into play</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How to apply the variety and a manageable workload principles to the workplace</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Guidance regarding these keys to excellence—hiring and training</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How to stay in touch with the action and have fun</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A methodology for managing your personal and professional time and priorities </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">.To achieve excellence for yourself, your colleagues, and your organization and to find satisfaction in your professional and personal life, this book may be for you. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/MANAGEMENT-LEADERSHIP-HANDBOOK-Excellence-Satisfaction-ebook/dp/B0CBQY1M23/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1689979417&sr=8-1">Click here to read the book today</a>.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-76380973772732525422023-06-21T13:00:00.004-07:002023-06-21T13:20:55.971-07:00What Not to Say in Cross-Examination<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCIRcORe5dBRfpWhYvTDrS6WIZ26-NKvuHj11uPEUb6ZtaSvwqO_OoEMV9SQZvuQBWrcfIQ_gbjFTiRoI8Cm-ltD5R8No3L_OfLuXDJcx1T2o8_H0rpC23836ZrE5_C0QmxGknFNOMa_0zu_comrYdf8Z_Kb2lh63l9vb1bIx6JMVzhc9C5cvaE5TxUL9/s500/9781454852001-us.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="348" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCIRcORe5dBRfpWhYvTDrS6WIZ26-NKvuHj11uPEUb6ZtaSvwqO_OoEMV9SQZvuQBWrcfIQ_gbjFTiRoI8Cm-ltD5R8No3L_OfLuXDJcx1T2o8_H0rpC23836ZrE5_C0QmxGknFNOMa_0zu_comrYdf8Z_Kb2lh63l9vb1bIx6JMVzhc9C5cvaE5TxUL9/w320-h459/9781454852001-us.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>In this month's issue of the Bar Bulletin there is an article by Dr. Kevin Boully and Thomas M. O'Toole (my co-author on the <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jury-Selection-Handbook-Effective-Coursebook/dp/153100797X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Y88A7N6VUPBX&keywords=jury+selection+handbook&qid=1687377579&sprefix=jury+selection+handbook%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc">Jury Selection Handbook</a></i>) focusing on what not to say in trial. Regarding cross-examination the article discusses the important advice given in the <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Examination-Handbook-Persuasion-Strategies-Techniques/dp/1454852003/ref=sr_1_1?crid=AEU91YWE1QNG&keywords=cross+examination+handbook&qid=1687377535&sprefix=cross+examination+handbook%2Caps%2C436&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc">Cross-Examination Handbook</a></i> about not asking one question too many and amplifies on why the axiom makes sense:<p></p><p>“The classic advice of not asking one question too many is consistent with the overarching goal of letting your jury reach the conclusion on their own, without you cramming it down their throat. In cross-exam, we still find far too often that trial lawyers want to ask the extra question, or worse, ask about the topic and areas of inquiry that dilute the overall effectiveness of the exam.</p><p>“During cross, pick your topics and areas of focus wisely and with discretion. There are few occasions a “scorched earth” approach is warranted and far more times when the most economical and effective approach is to be surgical, targeting those areas where the cross exam can score, simple, direct, useful points. A few criteria to consider for what not to say in cross exams include:</p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Does the jury need the answer or its implication to make their decision? If not, you probably don't need it. </p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Does the jury know how the answer fits into your overall trial message? If not, you may not need it, or you may need to make it more clear before the jury can use it.n</p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Will the jury receive the answer as consistent with the witnesses message? If the jury feels you want them to trust the witness on some things, but not others, you may need to pick an approach and stick to it. </p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Has the jury heard the same thing from another witness already? If so, you may want to consider whether the answer creates a positive cumulative effect (i.e., carries the power. of multiple voices) or creates unnecessary repetition (i.e., feels redundant). </p><p>“Have the courage to be decisive about what not to say and what to leave out of your case presentation at these key moments. These approaches empower the jury to reach their own conclusion and use their own experiences and perceptions to fill the gaps for you leave for them. These approaches appeal to the egocentrism of processing information through their own lens (which can engage in the gaps you left for them), their penchant for efficient and economical decision making, as well as symbolic processing that is often based on the scenes, moments, and events that you give them the freedom to envision and complete.”</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-88105800535066784192023-05-23T14:48:00.002-07:002023-05-23T14:48:43.351-07:00Brand New Editions of Pretrial and Trial Advocacy Books<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh54YW7ohOC9YWJZnzz9_e2nVbXAcIM4VmQSnN4PMMd1Nm0qXvovqaiDBmO8iR8kTzNKqAGetRzcrBQg3AkahS5f-Np4T_AbJ7NB-3ZB8yW3c0vQ6HT4nsr2ZchpI9Qll9bmKpdJJflSbTJK8HwdT5puQ5qN-J2FSIkDIzT1jZR-XR6b0_OcGnloks6zQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" height="437" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh54YW7ohOC9YWJZnzz9_e2nVbXAcIM4VmQSnN4PMMd1Nm0qXvovqaiDBmO8iR8kTzNKqAGetRzcrBQg3AkahS5f-Np4T_AbJ7NB-3ZB8yW3c0vQ6HT4nsr2ZchpI9Qll9bmKpdJJflSbTJK8HwdT5puQ5qN-J2FSIkDIzT1jZR-XR6b0_OcGnloks6zQ=w349-h437" width="349" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6WUdOiAUQH-O5K5LEJMqh9tCKc3-4_sE2_rkuYRMQoPt4oI9YLy0slmEs4bwY9uAZP0sRttXs1Ni-dF80lvMbRJmgAEpfMDQNJpMb3QtTdRXmTeXKtgyjrxTgkhnOaYmnBFzqFJ_1c-agTeTIQ1gLPcNFKLZtDETsQSJIh867nF8QoHSNOl1GfZ8TrQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6WUdOiAUQH-O5K5LEJMqh9tCKc3-4_sE2_rkuYRMQoPt4oI9YLy0slmEs4bwY9uAZP0sRttXs1Ni-dF80lvMbRJmgAEpfMDQNJpMb3QtTdRXmTeXKtgyjrxTgkhnOaYmnBFzqFJ_1c-agTeTIQ1gLPcNFKLZtDETsQSJIh867nF8QoHSNOl1GfZ8TrQ=w338-h422" width="338" /></a></div><br /><p>Nothing makes us happier than the release of a newly published edition of an advocacy book, and Aspen Publishing has just launched the 5th edition of Trial Advocacy.</p><p>The three of us--Marilyn Berger, John Mitchell and I--have been at this for some time, and when we set out our goal for both Pretrial and Trial Advocacy books was to impart real-world approaches to litigation. We also wanted to provide not only a textbook but also, thanks to Marilyn’s expertise in filmmaking, demonstration videos (such as a trial demonstration video and videos showing how to take and defend depositions) and practical experiences through role-play assignments (such as performing trial activities from jury selection through closing argument).</p><p>Additional materials for performance are an inclusive aspect of the books: realistic case files containing documents, witness statements, photographs, and so forth. Teacher materials for both books include sample syllabuses and an extensive Teacher Manual for both Pretrial and Trial courses.</p><p>It’s great to see how the books have progressed, keeping pace with the best in litigation advocacy. Together we have worked to make sure the new editions are right up to date, for examples covering changes in response to COVID-19, electronically stored information (ESI), trial technology, and persuasive litigation visuals. Most exciting is that new editions are now available on the popular Aspen Publishing CasebookConnect online platform.</p><p>Each book and companion materials can be used for a stand-alone Trial Advocacy or Pretrial Advocacy course, or they may be paired together and taught over, for instance, two semesters because they have a common nomenclature as well as the same analytical framework and civil and criminal casefiles.</p><p>If you are teaching trial advocacy or want a complete resource about trial advocacy, this book may be for you. The best way to decide on a textbook is to see for yourself. If you teach trial advocacy, to get obtain a complimentary review copy of <a href="https://www.aspenpublishing.com/Berger_TrialAd_5e">Trial Advocacy click here</a> for a complimentary review copy of <a href="https://www.aspenpublishing.com/BergerPretrial6e">Pretrial Advocacy, click here</a>. </p><p>We truly hope that you like the new editions and will adopt one or both. If you have any questions, contact me at clarkrh@comcast.net.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2120079246945854655.post-16332654164424392262023-05-22T11:29:00.002-07:002023-05-22T11:58:39.045-07:00More Advocacy Tools Offered<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS6CXXutLxyqW7-U9fA3Ld4ePu7SlSK3D-8swSxDIMrEt-SdzXnUpfQvTteBpZKaOzVsUyBwIa5SRBnma2de4pn7iPzBRMwTRAKCgI4yjQS9rUobXOZGqgjTpcS7uul7N-SkpcpotVPNO9bLFwBXjXxqP5WpRu9mHnV2Y2urT1kaIGA_V-3KbACBPwxA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS6CXXutLxyqW7-U9fA3Ld4ePu7SlSK3D-8swSxDIMrEt-SdzXnUpfQvTteBpZKaOzVsUyBwIa5SRBnma2de4pn7iPzBRMwTRAKCgI4yjQS9rUobXOZGqgjTpcS7uul7N-SkpcpotVPNO9bLFwBXjXxqP5WpRu9mHnV2Y2urT1kaIGA_V-3KbACBPwxA=w516-h290" width="516" /></a></div><br /><p>A most exciting addition to the new editions of <a href="https://www.aspenpublishing.com/Berger_TrialAd_5e">Trial Advocacy 5th Ed.</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pretrial-Advocacy-Planning-Analysis-Coursebook/dp/1543847552/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2YMW26NYBR2VC&keywords=pretrial+advocacy+berger&qid=1684780030&sprefix=pretrial+advocacy+berger%2Caps%2C494&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0">Pretrial Advocacy 6th Ed</a>. is that they are now available with the popular Aspen Publishing CasebookConnect online platform. CasebookConnect provides many supplemental materials. Let’s take a look at some of them in the Trial Advocacy CasebookConnect platform. </p><p>First on the CasebookConnect Platform is the Professor or instructor materials that are only accessible to the instructor and will assist the instructor in teaching, and these materials include a Teacher’s Manual and Actor’s Guide that contains role-play instructions that the teacher can give to students who will play a roles in a performance assignments, such as instructions to a student who is assigned to play the role of a witness during a cross-examination exercise. </p><p>Following the Professor Materials is a Welcome Tab with resources welcoming students to CasebookConnect and its functions. Next is Cases and Assignments Tab where the assignments for student performances are located. By clicking on the Case Files Tab, student can access the full case files for both the criminal and civil cases that are utilized for the performance assignments.</p><p>Unique to the Pretrial and Trial Advocacy books are movies that show how to perform everything from taking and defending a deposition to closing argument. Under the Movies Tab in the Trial Advocacy book’s CasebookConnect, students can access the following: an animation of an aviation crash; visuals in a settlement documentary; a video on implicit bias; and both a full movie of a demonstration trial as well as movie clips demonstrating trial advocacy skills.</p><p>Under the next Additional Materials Tab are a variety of supplemental materials, such as juror questionnaires, trial brief, motions and more.</p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0