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

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

The Court of Public Opinion rules ex parte with no hope of an appeal. It has no rules of evidence or procedure, no requisite standard of proof, no right to confront witnesses, no meaningful ability to...Read More

No criminal defense lawyer can avoid it. Friends, family, and even strangers ask it. We dread it. But we must answer it: “Why do you defend them?” * * * There are many answers. See...Read More