An invaluable resource for experienced trial attorneys, inexperienced trial attorneys looking to advance to the next level of trial practice, and corporate counsel who handle litigation, this book looks at the role courtroom psychology plays in modern trial practice. It covers the essentials of trial practice, including jury selection, opening and closing statements, and questioning witnesses, as well as the key aspects of arbitration hearings and mediations. But what makes this book different from basic trial advocacy primers is its attention to the results of decades of scientific research relating to courtroom psychology (or persuasion psychology). This area concerns how and why jurors, judges, and arbitrators make decisions and how they are influenced. This book examines the role persuasion psychology plays in modern trial practice and how lawyers can use it to their advantage.

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.

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.

This volume presents comprehensive and integrative reviews that critically examine the psychological theory and research relevant to the courtroom trial. Chapters discuss either common courtroom roles involving defendant and victim, juror, jury, judge, and witness, or problems involving court procedures, methodological issues for research, and innovation in the courts. All are written by behavioral scientists who are or have been actively engaged in research in the area that they review, and all stress organizing and integrating existing work as well as identifying gaps in knowledge and important topics for future research. The volume fulfills a need for both integrative and broad-based summary and critical review of the expanding empirical literature that focuses on various courtroom participants and problems.

In 2006 Philadelphia, graduate student Jonathan Love sued the organization that publishes the Law School Admissions Test. Love had attained average scores on the test, but claimed he should have been given extra time because he qualified as a person with a disability - and allowances provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act - due to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The case, which drew in author psychologist Michael Gordon as an expert witness for the defense, reached federal court and resulted in a precedent-setting ruling still as controversial as the disorder that triggered the trial. In this work, Gordon takes us into the courtroom and behind the scenes with attorneys and experts to look not only at this trial, but more than a dozen others that have involved ADHD or other psychiatric diagnoses, and the questions they raise, including what the real meaning of disability is, how malingering can be an issue with psychological disorders, and what the more far-reaching effects for the public can be if accommodations are provided to people who do not have a legally-defined disability. When does deference to an individual with a disorder like ADHD begin to invade the rights of the non-disabled? Controversy fills these pages, from discussion of ADHD and the debate over its justifiability as a disability to public reactions regarding the ruling in Love's case and others. Comparisons and contrasts are also raised between the Love trial and earlier cases involving people claiming psychological disabilities who fought actions by The National Board of Medical Examiners, United Airlines, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine, and other organizations. Do the decisions help or harm disability rights and people with disabilities? Gordon offers the insights not only of a psychologist, but a seasoned legal insider who has testified as an expert witness at many of the trials.

The third edition of this classic resource provides mental health professionals with pithy, practical advice for testifying in court with the same wit and whimsy and a revamped structure.