Effective Closing Argument

The Practical Trial Handbook is a concise and practical treatise on the rules of evidence, trial procedures, and basic trial skills and strategies that every attorney must know in order to competently and effectively try any type of case in any jurisdiction. Referencing the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) and trial procedure, the handbook explains the fundamentals of a court or jury trial, from the motion in limine to the final argument and everything in between. Topics of discussion include pre-trial procedures, jury selection, witness testimony, opening statements, direct and cross-examination, witness impeachment and rehabilitation, foundational requirements for the admissibility of evidence, hearsay and other exclusionary rules, expert witnesses, trial objections, character evidence, and closing argument. Written by a retired trial court judge with 36 years of experience in the courtroom, the handbook also includes more than 150 "Trial Tips," practical real-world advice by the author on trying a case that cannot be learned in the classroom nor found in other trial treatises. They provide not only basic "how to" advice, but also give suggestions on trial tactics or strategies the author has found to be effective. These informal and wide-ranging "Trial Tips" are found throughout the handbook for nearly every stage of a trial and are what sets this handbook apart from the other trial guides. Regardless of the type of case or the jurisdiction, the same basic rules of evidence and trial procedure apply. Furthermore, in every trial an attorney must possess the requisite basic trial skills and knowledge to try the case, e.g., the ability to question witnesses, introduce evidence, or argue the merits. This handbook is designed to distill these fundamentals into one, concise, and easy to follow format. It is designed not only as a learning resource for law students and less experienced trial lawyers, but also as a refresher for the veterans. It is a handbook every attorney should have in his or her library for reference when preparing for the next trial or evidentiary hearing. This edition focuses on the Federal Rule of Evidence and basic trial procedure, making it applicable not only to Federal Court, but also to state court jurisdictions that follow the Federal Rules. There is also a companion edition, Practical Trial Handbook California, which references only the California Rules of Evidence and basic trial procedure. The Practical Trial Handbook California is also available on-line at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098JVZRSX?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Practical Trial Website For more information on both handbooks, including introductory comments by the author, chapter summaries, and sample "Trial Tips," visit the handbook website at: https://www.practicaltrialhandbook.com/

In the hands of a skilled trial lawyer, the closing argument offers the courtroom's greatest dramatic possiblilities. It is the advocate's last opportunity to convince the jury of their version of the "truth" before the defendent's fate is sealed. Every argument included here is a finely crafted verbal work of art - they represent the modern-day, highest form of an ancient profession and art: that of the storyteller. The only available collection of great closing arguments - complete with insightful analysis and biographical profiles of the lawyers involved - this fascinating volume gathers the passionate finales of the most celebrated cases in history. Included are the climactic closes to the Nuremberg War Trials; Gerry Spence's crusade against the Kerr-McGee Nuclear Power Plant after the mysterious death of Karen Silkwood; Vincent Bugliosi's successful prosecution of cult leader Charles Manson and his followers; the astounding acquittal of John Delorean despite video evidence of his offences and the prosecution resulting from the Mai Lai massacre.

This book introduces students to the essential skills and bodies of knowledge required for competent representation of clients, including highly practical issues such as courtroom etiquette, the psychology of jury trials, ethical considerations, and trial tactics within a legal and procedural framework. Sample transcripts appear throughout the book to directly illustrate how to conduct various stages of a trial, such as voir dire, opening and closing statements, and direct and cross-examination. The accompanying documentary supplement for this book, Trial Practice Problems and Case Files, may also be used with any trial advocacy textbook that emphasizes skills and tactics. Part One of Trial Practice Problems and Case Files contains a basic series of problems derived from the case files contained in Part Two. Part Two has complete, self-contained case files for four criminal cases and three civil cases. When used for full trials, each case is designed to be evenly balanced so that both sides have realistic chances for favorable verdicts. The case files also provide an excellent basis for developing individual problems and exercises. A Teacher's Manual is available to professors.

The Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides an up-to-date resource for information on legal ethics. Federal, state and local courts in all jurisdictions look to the Rules for guidance in solving lawyer malpractice cases, disciplinary actions, disqualification issues, sanctions questions and much more. In this volume, black-letter Rules of Professional Conduct are followed by numbered Comments that explain each Rule's purpose and provide suggestions for its practical application. The Rules will help you identify proper conduct in a variety of given situations, review those instances where discretionary action is possible, and define the nature of the relationship between you and your clients, colleagues and the courts.

Two outstanding Texas trial lawyers—one of whom is now an equally respected district judge—have written On the Jury Trial, a “must have” reference for any trial lawyer aspiring to excellence or seeking to maintain it. Thomas M. Melsheimer and Judge Craig Smith have crafted a narrative-driven advice guide for trial lawyers to hone their craft. Chapter topics include voir dire, opening statement, preparing witnesses, cross examination, using exhibits, closing argument, jury research, and more, with excellent examples and “do’s and don’ts” provided throughout. Think of this book as the senior law partner’s memo to associates on how to really try a case. Looking for fly-on-the-wall insight into world-class trial preparation and strategy? Here it is. A behind-the-scenes tour of the inner workings of the judicial process? This book has you covered. Its combination of advice, illustration, and commentary is every bit as valuable as it is unique. Every litigator should have this book on the shelf, no matter the state in which they practice. The jury trial is a critical component of our democratic society, and its use in civil cases is unique to the United States. It is truly an example of our participatory democracy in action, and yet the jury trial is under attack from all sides, most notably from special interest groups who seek to have more cases decided by individual judges or by arbitration. These efforts have resulted in a decline of civil jury trials all over the country. A decline in the jury trial is a decline in justice. To preserve the jury trial, we must preserve the skills of trying a case effectively and efficiently. On the Jury Trial, in no small way, will add significantly to that effort.

Whether representing the plaintiff or defendant, this book provides the attorney with valuable tips on pretrial and trial tactics.