Trial Advocacy Basics

Surely one of the most intimidating moments in your professional life is standing before a judge and jurors the morning of your very first trial. This is no mock trial: the stakes are high, and your client is counting on you. Are you ready? Trial Advocacy Basics is a courtroom primer that helps both the novice advocate prepare for his first day in court and the practicing lawyer bring her skills in line with the most recent developments in trial advocacy. In the Second Edition of this law school classic, Molly Townes O'Brien and Gary Gildin provide the modern perspectives on both the style and substance of case analysis, case theory, cross-examination, impeachment, closing arguments, and presenting information using technologies. They break down the importance of finding a single factual story of the case, then explain how each aspect of the trial must contribute to that story. O'Brien and Gildin relate practical advice on every stage of trial preparation and practice in a straightforward manner, using memorable examples and anecdotes, colorful quotes, and humor to highlight each lesson.

"She had everything she needed, didn't she? Three years of law school study, many months of preparation, a new suit, and a briefcase full of files and notes. Had she done enough? Had she forgotten anything? This would be no law school exercise. This time the stakes were real." - excerpt from page 1 of Trial Advocacy Basics.Trial Advocacy Basics, by Dent Gitchel and Molly Townes O'Brien, provides a complete and concise guide to the beginning trial advocate. Practical advice on every stage of trial preparation and practice, from voir dire to verdict, is included. The authors explain trial procedures and techniques in a straightforward manner, using colorful examples, memorable quotes, and humor.

Basic trial advocacy is the classic text on the presentation of civil and criminal cases in court. Since its publication in 2005 it has been used in countless law school and continuing professional education programs to impart with clarity and simplicity the basic skills of effective trial presentation. It is a useful guide and refresher even for the experienced practitioner when going to court.

Basic text and manual on trial advocacy. Textbook for the Harvard Law School Trial Advocacy Workshop.

The second edition of these case files include a variety of civil and criminal fact patterns that provide students the opportunity to try their hand at opening statements and closing arguments, as well as at direct and cross-examinations. The case files also provide opportunities for pretrial motion exercises and jury selection exercises. There is a companion text book entitled The Art & Science of Trial Advocacy by the same group of authors. These case files are a manageable length for weekly or bi-weekly assignments. These case files also include online videos demonstrating all stages of trial advocacy and an extensive teacher's manual with illustrations and examples. The following case files are included: United States of America v. William Stevens (criminal case alleging bank robbery); Jeffrey Kent v. Bonds Rentals(civil case alleging failure to warn); State of Golden v. Steven MacNamara (criminal case alleging domestic violence); James Price v. GEM Corporation (civil case alleging unlawful termination); Rusty Maxell v. Terry Chester (civil case alleging breach of contract); State of Golden v. Sunny Grifford (criminal case alleging DUI and hit and run); Sam Spencer v. Teresa More (civil case alleging negligent entrustment); Nicole Gail v. Peter Novak (civil case alleging undue use of force); Cameron Hillman v. Mutual Life Insurance Company (civil case alleging failure to pay insurance proceeds); State of Golden v. Richard Buck (criminal case alleging murder); William Striver and Frances Gomez v. Rancho Fire Department (civil case alleging unfair employment practices); State of Golden v. Jake Chambers (criminal case alleging sexual assault); and Sandra Mountain v. Tyler County Sheriff's Department, et al. (civil case involving wrongful death).

The Fourth Edition of Modern Trial Advocacy: Law School Edition presents a realistic and contemporary approach to learning and developing trial advocacy skills. Dedicated to the law student, the book contains a "Trial Basics" chapter, which discusses what happens in a trial and the role the advocate plays. The Law School Edition has checklists that guide students in their performance. This edition also includes: • a brand new chapter on using electronic visuals and technology in the courtroom; and • new enhanced video content—top NITA faculty demonstrate the core techniques discussed in the book so you can observe and learn these skills in a new way. NITA's best-selling text, Modern Trial Advocacy, has set the standard for trial advocacy texts since 1993. All of NITA's renowned full trial programs use the text, as do prominent law schools nationwide. The authors guide the beginning advocate from developing a winning case theory through all phases of trial, explaining how to present a case as a story, and how to tell the story to the jury powerfully and persuasively.