Trial advocacy skills can make the difference in a tough case. They should be learned and practiced. But there is nothing more important than pretrial preparation. This post concerns the most critical pretrial preparation task:...Read More
“Federal prosecutors, when they rise in court, represent the people of the United States. But so do defense lawyers—one at a time.” -Chief Justice John RobertsRead More
“The law is an amazing tool, but it has limits. Good people, on the other hand, don’t have limits. The law is not in the business of forgiveness or redemption. The law cannot compel us...Read More
Edward Bennett Williams does that perfectly in his closing argument in United States v. John Connally. Below is an excerpt of it: “We have been together now for three weeks, and for you the case is...Read More
“I didn’t do it.” Minutes after the polygraph exam, the polygrapher—in no uncertain terms—says: “You did not pass the test. There is no doubt you did [the crime you’re suspected of].” You continue to deny...Read More
Your phone rings. There’s no caller ID, so you let it ring out. They leave a voicemail; it’s Detective Jones. He says he has a few questions for you about last Friday night. Your mind...Read More
“Mr. Foreperson, has the jury agreed upon a verdict?” “We have.” “Will the Defendant please rise?” “We, the jury, find John Smith not guilty.” After a not guilty verdict is read, I’ve seen tears, I’ve...Read More
Your mind is made up. You’re going to try your hand at law. I commend you; it will not be easy, but I guarantee you will be better prepared if you follow the below advice....Read More
