Basic Trial Advocacy Book

In this concise new paperback, Peter Murray-experienced litigator and a veteran director of Harvard Law School's trial advocacy program-simply and clearly explains why trial lawyers do what they do, and, in the process, naturally hands students the effective systematic techniques they need to develop their own personal trial advocacy skills. BASIC TRIAL ADVOCACY centers on the persuasive fact image a trial lawyer must create for the judge and jury by organizing, presenting, and translating bits of information. In a straightforward, conversational tone, Murray describes the process of in-court fact presentation throughout each step of the trial process-which directly corresponds to the process of developing the total fact image. Topics include: courtroom conduct and manners evidentiary objections illustrative aids and exhibits techniques for opening, direct and cross examination, questioning of expert witnesses, impeachment, and summation Murray pays particular attention to ethics in an early chapter and in references throughout the text. Discussion ranges from formal ethical rules and specific trial lawyering rules to false inferences, and leading and prompting witnesses in direct examination. The text in enhanced by numerous example-many stemming form Murray's own experiences. In addition, this book's flexible structure can easily be altered to suit your own presentation. Its organization parallels the development of a case at trial, however chapters will stand on their own if assigned out of order. Give your students the resources that confirm trial lawyers can be made as well as born. Recommend or adopt the book resulting from many years of practice and more than 13 years of trial advocacy teaching at Harvard Law School-BASIC TRIAL ADVOCACY.