And now for something completely different. This blog and the books referenced in it are almost exclusively devoted to advocacy, the law, or related subjects (such as public speaking and management). Unlike those books, my just launched new book, Charles M. Russell Legacies: Amazing Tales of Charles and Nancy Russell, Josephine Wright, and Nancy Josephine
Pretrial, Trial, Appellate & Evidence Blog Blogs
Latest from Pretrial, Trial, Appellate & Evidence Blog
The Best in Appellate Advocacy
Once again, it is time to feature appellate advocacy. The Appellate Prosecutor: A Practical and Inspirational Guide to Appellate Advocacy is a book for appellate advocates. Its nuts and bolts coverage of appellate strategies and techniques is valuable for any attorney, not just prosecutors, who will write an appellate brief or appear in an appellate
Role Model for Trial Lawyers
As a former trial lawyer, an author of books about trial advocacy and a believer that Lincoln serves as a great role model for trial lawyers and aspiring trial lawyers, I’m recommending a couple books to you in case you haven’t read them. First, I recommend Lincoln’s Last Trial: The Murder Case That Propelled
Mastering Trial Exhibits: A Comprehensive Guide
Exhibits not only clarify your case narrative but also significantly influence the jury’s understanding and retention of crucial information. Here’s a detailed guide to planning and effectively using exhibits during trial.Objectives of Using ExhibitsThe primary goal of introducing exhibits, including demonstrative evidence like charts, diagrams, and photographs, is twofold: to support your case
LAUNCHED – NEW EVIDENCE IN PRACTICE BOOK: From the classroom to the courtroom
So proud that Aspen Publishing has just launched the second edition of our evidence book. An essential go-to reference for law students, paralegals, and trial lawyers, Evidence in Practice: Skills and Strategies for Pretrial and Trial, with Practice Exercises, Second Edition is a concise how-to manual for all things evidence. Because traditional law school evidence courses
Crafting an Effective Direct Examination of an Expert Witness
Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively structure direct examination to ensure your expert’s testimony resonates.1. Prepare ThoroughlyLegal Research: Your journey begins with a solid understanding of evidentiary law surrounding expert testimony. Dive into relevant case law to grasp how similar cases have been handled. Familiarity with these legal precedents can provide
Biden’s Clemency Blitz: Why Commuting 37 Death Row Sentences was the Right Decision"
On December 23, 2024, President Biden commuted 37 federal death row sentences, leaving just three people facing the death sentence under federal law. Reaction by some was vehement. A Trump spokesperson calling it “abhorrent.” Biden did the right thing, and I hope you will consider the reasons why I hold this belief. I come at this
The Art of Closing Arguments
Click here to get your copy of Addressing the JuryClosing arguments stand as a pivotal moment in any trial, offering trial lawyers an opportunity to synthesize the evidence, engage the emotions of the jurors, and drive home their case theory. Unlike opening statements, where lawyers are bound to present facts without argumentation, closing arguments
THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT: LAWYER JOKE BOOK
Tis the season to be jolly. ‘Tis the season to recite lawyer jokes. Seems we bump into lawyer jokes everywhere this holiday season. Lawyer jokes are ubiquitous right now. Because you might enjoy them, I’m passing along a couple humor books with places you can find them. They make outstanding gifts or maybe you just
Deliver a Persuasive Opening Statement
Opening statement is a trial lawyer’s best time to persuade the jury. It is a best opportunity for three reasons.First, you can provide the jurors with the story of your case in your own words. Opening statement will aid jurors in organizing and understanding the evidence as it is presented during trial, creating a
