This book introduces students to the essential skills and bodies of knowledge required for competent representation of clients, including highly practical issues such as courtroom etiquette, the psychology of jury trials, ethical considerations, and trial tactics within a legal and procedural framework. Sample transcripts appear throughout the book to directly illustrate how to conduct various stages of a trial, such as voir dire, opening and closing statements, and direct and cross-examination. The accompanying documentary supplement for this book, Trial Practice Problems and Case Files, may also be used with any trial advocacy textbook that emphasizes skills and tactics. Part One of Trial Practice Problems and Case Files contains a basic series of problems derived from the case files contained in Part Two. Part Two has complete, self-contained case files for four criminal cases and three civil cases. When used for full trials, each case is designed to be evenly balanced so that both sides have realistic chances for favorable verdicts. The case files also provide an excellent basis for developing individual problems and exercises. A Teacher's Manual is available to professors.

In this new, third edition of Theater Tips and Strategies for Jury Trials, David Ball updates his methods and approaches to jury persuasion. This practical step-by-step guide helps you navigate the changes that occur in jury trials instead of being blindsided by them. Based on both research and the experience of lawyers and trial consultants across the country, Theater Tips and Strategies for Jury Trials, Third Edition, presents techniques of the stage and screen you can use to win in the courtroom. Ball tells how to use theater concepts to persuade and motivate jurors. He tells attorneys how to look, talk, and act naturally, and to communicate the truth clearly and memorably, so they gain trust and credibility from judges and jurors. Ball provides practical guidance for voir dire, openings and closings, testimony, and focus groups. He describes what practitioners can learn from actors about their manner, voice projection, and behavior. He explains how to grab the jury from the beginningjust as a good movie opening captures the audience. He details how to prepare your {28}cast.

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.

From the initial investigation of a crime to the sentencing of an offender, many everyday practices within the criminal justice system involve complex psychological processes. This volume analyzes the processes involved in such tasks as interviewing witnesses, detecting deception, and eliciting eyewitness reports and identification from adults and children. Factors that influence decision making by jurors and judges are examined as well. Throughout, findings from experimental research are translated into clear recommendations for improving the quality of evidence and the fairness of investigative and legal proceedings. The book also addresses salient methodological questions and identifies key directions for future investigation.