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WARNING: YOUR OPENING STATEMENT OR CLOSING ARGUMENT MAY BE USED AGAINST YOU

Temple University Beasley School of Law - Advocacy

They may dispense with proof of facts for which witnesses would otherwise be called.” The same has been applied to closing arguments. Our review of Bentson’s closing statement convinces us that the language quoted above was a straightforward judicial admission, not merely a concession for the sake of argument.

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THE CHARACTER WITNESS CONUNDRUM

Temple University Beasley School of Law - Advocacy

The witness is asked “are you aware” or “have you heard” that defendant X was convicted in 2018 of [name of crime]. The theory is simple if not simplistic: if the witness says “yes, I’ve heard of that conviction” then the prosecutor, in closing argument, may question that witness’ standards. ” Michelson v.

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2024 Litigation Resolutions for All Litigators

Sound Jury Blog

In the spirit of correcting past problems and forging new habits, here’s a list of litigation resolutions – from case intake to closing argument – to put your trial strategy either back on track or to keep it on track. Instead, resolve to put your witness through a mock deposition practice session.

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BLINDERED BY THE LIE

Temple University Beasley School of Law - Advocacy

They came to mind, sadly, when reviewing a defense lawyer’s attempt to impeach a cooperating witness. Decades ago I witnessed this malady in a more general form, a lawyer impeaching a witness only to make the case worse for the accused. Was the witness impeached with an inconsistency? What do I mean? But this lawyer?

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Judicial Notice: Four Must-Know Rules

Evidence at Trial

One its expert witnesses walked the jury through powerful demonstrative evidence detailing DNA contamination in its crime lab. When asked to explain how, the defense attorney stated that in future cases, "the defendants' attorneys will simply ask the court to take judicial notice of the [expert witness'] testimony." Pretty dull.

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Persuasive Shortcuts: Document Summaries In Federal and California Courts

Evidence at Trial

— Franklin Delano Roosevelt Too often in jury trials, attorneys mistakenly think getting evidence admitted is a dry and mechanical process separate and apart from the task of persuasion. Closing argument, the theory goes, is when it will all come together. "Be sincere, Be Brief, Be seated. This was not always the case.

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POLARIZE THE CASE

Temple University Beasley School of Law - Advocacy

When showing a witness’ bias, you need not call them out as a liar; instead, simply argue in closing “and the witness, who testified for the defendant – it’s their mother.” The post POLARIZE THE CASE appeared first on Advocacy and Evidence Resources. But this principle may need to be flipped on occasion.