Cross-Examination Blog: Videos of Cross-Examinations

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Videos of Cross-Examinations

Yogi Berra is supposed to have said “You can observe a lot just by watching,” and that is not a bad method of learning the principles and techniques of cross-examination. You sometimes even learn more from watching a wretched cross-examination than you can from watching a brilliant one. Set forth below are videos of cross-examinations performed in celebrated trials both recent and historical. In the videos you will see examples of both wretched and brilliant techniques.

STATE OF TEXAS vs AMANDA HAYES

Amanda Hayes stood trial for helping her husband kill and dismember his ex-wife. She defended herself by claiming that she was an innocent victim of circumstance who knew nothing of the murder until her husband told her about it and enlisted her aid in disposing of the body.

Amanda Hayes Cross-Examination https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BCd0bGDZDw

STATE OF TENNESSEE vs JESSIE DOTSON.

Jessie Dotson stood trial for the mass murder of his brother and five other people. The State contended that he killed his brother in an argument and then killed the others in an attempt to eliminate witnesses.

Jessie Dotson Cross-Examination https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_hHcpos5tk

STATE OF TEXAS vs JODI ARIAS

Jodi Arias stood trial for killing her boyfriend Travis Alexander, who was found dead in his home with 27 to 29 stab wounds in his body. Arias claimed she killed Alexander in self-defense.

Jodi Arias Cross-Examination, Day 1, Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Muqjj4B_9Kg

Jodi Arias Cross-Examination, Day 1, Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl21IwjLkQ0

Jodi Arias Cross-Examination, Day 1, Part 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl21IwjLkQ0

Jodi Arias Cross-Examination, Day 2, Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23SBSj5VhL0

Jodi Arias Cross-Examination, Day 2, Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7czwIw9iPc

Jodi Arias Cross-Examination, Day 2, Part 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7czwIw9iPc

Jodi Arias Cross-Examination, Day 3, Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRxKpQqfBrE

Jodi Arias Cross-Examination, Day 3, Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuDwXwt9UHs

Jodi Arias Cross-Examination, Day 4, Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DHS3h4Cp98

Jodi Arias Cross-Examination, Day 4, Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQY1hwcSpY4

Jodi Arias Cross-Examination, Day 5, Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIpwiPxPn7Y

Jodi Arias Cross-Examination, Day 5, Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_TCy2_816Y

Jodi Arias Cross-Examination, Day 5, Part 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iniso_hINQY

STATE OF FLORIDA vs MICHAEL DUNN

Michael Dunn stood trial for murder and attempted murder for firing multiple shots into an automobile which was playing music too loudly to suit him. Dunn claimed he acted in self-defense. The jury convicted him on the attempted murder counts but hung on the murder count. Dunn awaits retrial on the murder charge.

Michael Dunn Cross-Examination, Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtqSnInyWQo

Michael Dunn Cross-Examination, Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0WlOniKN68

Michael Dunn Cross-Examination, Part 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWaRfKDBXfI

Michael Dunn Direct Examination https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvUZxfG6VBI

INTERNATIONAL MILITARY TRIBUNAL vs HERMANNN GOERING

Hermann Goering, who at one time was Adolph Hitler’s right-hand-man, stood trial at Nuremberg for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Goering proclaimed himself to be “not guilty in the sense of the indictment.” He testified that he was blindly loyal to Hitler and completely ignorant of the Holocaust.

Nuremberg, Cross-Examination of Hermann Goering, Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfwujaV7Ia8

Nuremberg, Cross-Examination of Hermann Goering, Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clNXvdkJs44

Nuremberg, Cross-Examination of Hermann Goering, Part 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuI9IfbPsKk

Nuremberg, Cross-Examination of Hermann Goering, Part 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKRZCyO-htE

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA vs OSCAR PISTORIUS

Oscar Pistorius, the “Blade Runner,” stood trial for the murder of his girlfriend. Pistorius claimed that he accidentally shot his girlfriend in self-defense when mistook her for a burglar.

Oscar Pistorius Cross-Examination, Appears to Change His Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rcVtBcvCTo

Oscar Pistorius Cross-Examination, Summary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geNb0u5pHdg

PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs O.J. SIMPSON

Mark Fuhrmann was an L.A.P.D. officer who participated in the investigation of the murders of Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman. Fuhrmann discovered key evidence in the case, and the defense attempted on cross-examination to establish that he fabricated the evidence because of his bigotry and racism.

Mark Fuhrmann Cross-Examination https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfMrZk5H2tY

No comments:

REVIEWS

"This Book Delivers. A much needed addition to trial literature, this book should be in every lawyer's library. The reason is that this book tackles the many difficult problems that arise on cross---but unlike other books---this one clearly explains how to overcome them.

D. Shane Read, Author of Winning at Trial

"This (Cross-Examination Handbook) is a law book written by actual attorneys who have practiced law. [No offense meant to the purely academic writers]. This book transcends what a person can learn in law school. It takes you right into the courtroom." Read more here.

Karen Koehler, The Velvet Hammer, Stritmatter, Kessler, Whelan, Coluccio

“Move over Francis Wellman! Cross-Examination Handbook, by Clark, Dekle and Bailey, is the best book on cross-examination I have ever read. Every lawyer should refer to it before commencing a deposition or going to trial. The work covers all possible contingencies that an attorney might face in examining a hostile witness, opposing party or expert, from gaining concessions to impeachment, with practical solutions for each. Cross-Examination Handbook should be a basic text in the library of all trial lawyers, whether they be prosecutors, criminal defense lawyers or civil litigators.”

Michael Marcus, Judge, Los Angeles

“I wish law schools utilized more texts such as these. In a nutshell, the trial advocacy book teaches you how to try cases and the cross-examination book teaches you about the art-and it is an art- of cross examination. The cross examination book spans 389 pages and contains a CD with sample files and assignments."

Mitchell H. Rubinstein, Adjunct Prof Blog

“The only cross-examination guide you need.” by Michael Flaherty, Buffalo, New York

“. . . The book is a comprehensive monograph and the only cross-examination guide you will need. What adds to its value is its structure; chapters can be read on their own. When I first brought the book home a few weeks ago, my wife, a member of the litigation department of a large law firm, was preparing for her first trial in many years. She asked me for some suggestions to prepare for her cross-examination of her opponent's expert witness; I responded by handing her the book. She was able to use the materials specific to the topic on the cross-examination of expert witnesses and prepare a cross which focused on advancing her case theory. She reported to me how different her cross was from the other lawyers in the case who often spent precious time rehashing the direct. She won.

Do not let the clarity and simplicity fool you. Cross-Examination Handbook will become indispensable and give you the confidence to prepare the winning cross.”

"This book has it all, and I rank it as one of the best books on cross-examination in recent times. . . " by Paul Mark Sandler, Trial Attorney, Baltimore, Maryland

Read the full review here.

"Invaluable resource. The Cross-Examination Handbook is a straightforward yet sophisticated guide for cross-examination, whether you are constructing the cross of an expert or a lay witness. The major reason this book is so valuable and so useful is that it not only explains the technique of cross-exam but, more important, places the cross in the overall structure of a trial. . .

"Having tried dozens of cases and having conducted hundreds of cross-examinations, I can say that this book will not only be something I review as part of trial preparation but is also a book to be given to new lawyers in our office. For years I have carved out 'thinking time' in my trial preparation to review McElhaney's Trial Notebook. I have now added this terrific book by Clark, Dekle and Bailey."
Randy J. Cox, Boone Karlberg P.C., Missoula, Montana

"Don't wait, you need to read this book before you open another file! This volume illustrates how to plan an effective cross-examination from the beginning of a case. Beginning with discovery, it shows us the essential steps leading to an effective cross-examination. It also explains how to structure each cross-examination to best serve the case theory.

"You won't forget the cross-examination principles because they are vividly illustrated by memorable moments and quotes from famous trials (real and fictional). These examples are essential because they underscore the big ideas in chapters that demonstrate how, who, and why to cross-examine. This is an educational book that you will enjoy reading and re-reading. I know that I will recommend it to my Pre-trial Advocacy students, and I will keep it forever in my reference collection."
Barbara Frost, Seattle, Washington

"I wholeheartedly endorse this book for law students and young trial lawyers hoping to develop their cross-examination skills, as well as for experienced lawyers seeking to improve theirs. As John Henry Wigmore said, cross-examination is the 'greatest legal engine ever invented for the discovery of the truth.' We courtroom mechanics will benefit by adding this tool to our toolbox." (read rest of the review here).
John Day, author of Day on Torts

"This Book is the Real Deal! Whether you are a rank rookie or salty old veteran the Cross Examination Handbook is going to improve your game. Trial and error is no way to learn something as important as cross examination.
Kevin Brackett (South Carolina)

"Cross-Examination Handbook Perfect for Law Students and New Litigators."
Karin J. Mitchell

"I have been looking for a good and current book devoted to cross-examination. This book meets that need."
Philip Thomas (Mississippi)

“Of course, cross-examination has always been a favorite topic of legal authors. But this (Cross-Examination Handbook) take on the subject is an eminently practical, thorough, and readable addition to the canon.”

Michael Heatherly, Washington Bar News Editor review ofCross-Examination Handbook

"For both new and experienced lawyers. As a new attorney, I would recommend Cross-Examination Handbook as essential reading for those looking for the trial tactic and strategy advice that is lacking in typical law school text books. Specifically, the text provides the kind of practical guidance that a new lawyer requires before taking on an opposing witness, including checklists to ensure that no stone is left unturned in preparing a cross and tried and true approaches to counter the various challenges that an opposing witness may present. . ."

Daniel Baker

More reviews - click here.

ODDS & ENDS & HUMOR

Q. Now let’s go back to Exhibit 18. It looks to me like this pump submittal from SRV is dated Oct. 14, 2002. Right?

A. That’s the date of this letter, correct.

Q. Okay. And SRV was required to submit this pump submittal five days after the execution of the contract, which they received on Oct. 9. So 14 minus 9 is how many?

A. I don’t know. I need a calculator.

Q. You need a calculator to subtract 9 from 14?

A. Yeah.

Q. You’re the project engineer on a $5 million infrastructure project, and you’re telling me you need a calculator to subtract 9 from 14?

A. We always have calculators.

Q. Really, you can’t subtract 9 from 14 without a calculator?

A. It’s 6.

Q. Actually, Ms. ______, I think it’s 5.

A. I think I told you I need a calculator.

Cross-Examination Blog

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Videos of Cross-Examinations

No comments:

Post a Comment

Blog Archive

Cross-Examination Handbook