Comments on: Don’t Skip This Essential Pre-Trial Preparation Step! http://www.trialtheater.com/wordpress/general-trial-strategies/dont-skip-this-essential-pre-trial-preparation-step/ Trial lawyers, discover how to persuade jurors and win your next jury trial. You will learn valuable tips for improving your jury selection, opening statement, direct examination, cross-examination, and closing arguments. Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:17:52 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Elizabeth http://www.trialtheater.com/wordpress/general-trial-strategies/dont-skip-this-essential-pre-trial-preparation-step/comment-page-1/#comment-4513 Elizabeth Fri, 16 May 2008 20:45:55 +0000 http://www.trialtheater.com/wordpress/2008/general-trial-strategies/dont-skip-this-essential-pre-trial-preparation-step/#comment-4513 My Evidence prof was a former Navy JAG. He had his whole jury visit a ship to see the angle from which a witness viewed an alleged sexual assault. The defense attorney had been arguing that no witness could have seen the bunk in question in the dark, cramped quarters of the ship. But each juror got to see for him- or herself that, strange though it may seem, there was a perfect line of sight from that sailor's particular bunk, and probably few others. And the JAG never would have noticed that fact unless he had visited the site first. My Evidence prof was a former Navy JAG. He had his whole jury visit a ship to see the angle from which a witness viewed an alleged sexual assault. The defense attorney had been arguing that no witness could have seen the bunk in question in the dark, cramped quarters of the ship. But each juror got to see for him- or herself that, strange though it may seem, there was a perfect line of sight from that sailor’s particular bunk, and probably few others. And the JAG never would have noticed that fact unless he had visited the site first.

]]> By: Ralph http://www.trialtheater.com/wordpress/general-trial-strategies/dont-skip-this-essential-pre-trial-preparation-step/comment-page-1/#comment-4296 Ralph Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:54:11 +0000 http://www.trialtheater.com/wordpress/2008/general-trial-strategies/dont-skip-this-essential-pre-trial-preparation-step/#comment-4296 I'm surprised at how often young lawyers overlook this critical step in trial preparation. Unfortunately, the practice of law in many jurisdictions is similar to work in a triage unit. Many young prosecutors and public defenders are so overburdened with huge caseloads that it's impossible for them to get out of the office and visit crime scenes. But if they would take the time to visit the scenes in their most important cases, they'd be surprised at what a huge difference it makes for trial. I can think of several occasions where witnesses testified to seemingly innocuous details during direct examination, but because I'd been to the scene, I knew why that detail made an important difference in the case. Because I'd been to the scene, I was able to properly amplify the fact's importance for the jury, resulting in several positive verdicts for my clients. Keep up the great articles, Elliott, I really appreciate the great tips. BTW, do you plan to release another video anytime soon? -Ralph I’m surprised at how often young lawyers overlook this critical step in trial preparation. Unfortunately, the practice of law in many jurisdictions is similar to work in a triage unit. Many young prosecutors and public defenders are so overburdened with huge caseloads that it’s impossible for them to get out of the office and visit crime scenes. But if they would take the time to visit the scenes in their most important cases, they’d be surprised at what a huge difference it makes for trial.

I can think of several occasions where witnesses testified to seemingly innocuous details during direct examination, but because I’d been to the scene, I knew why that detail made an important difference in the case. Because I’d been to the scene, I was able to properly amplify the fact’s importance for the jury, resulting in several positive verdicts for my clients.

Keep up the great articles, Elliott, I really appreciate the great tips.

BTW, do you plan to release another video anytime soon?

-Ralph

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