For all but the most experienced trial lawyers, there is much to be learned by watching real trials. Next time you're at the courthouse on some routine matter, try dropping in on a trial in progress. Pay attention to the lawyers. What would you think of them if you were on the jury?
It also pays to read trial transcripts from time to time. At most firms, there's a transcript or two available to look at, since trial transcripts are often necessary for prosecuting appeals. Pay attention to how the lawyers handle exhibits and get them admitted into evidence.
For trial transcripts online, check out Famous Trials by Doug Linder. Though most are criminal cases, as opposed to civil, it's fun reading some of the testimony in cases like the O.J. Simpson trial--for example, F. Lee Bailey's cross of Mark Fuhrman.
In closing arguements, when is the defence arguments done off the record?
Posted by: Barbara Henry | June 08, 2009 at 06:45 PM
im from the philippines, you would be surprised how our rules of evidence is patterned after american. we use english in court also. your blog is great help to me filipino lawyer
Posted by: mat | July 03, 2010 at 04:54 AM