Book Description

Trial Fundamentals is a concise and practical handbook setting forth the nuts and bolts of trying a (non-criminal) case before a jury or the court. It covers not only basic trial procedure and the rules of evidence commonly used in the courtroom, but also explains basic strategies and trial skills necessary to try a case, such as tips on how to select a jury, how to effectively cross-examine and impeach a witness, and strategies for making a persuasive closing argument. Using California's rules of evidence and procedure for reference, the handbook follows the natural progression of a trial from the motions in limine through jury deliberation, and everything in between. Written by a Superior Court judge in California with more than 30 years of courtroom experience, the handbook includes explanation and commentary on the following areas: * In limine motions* Jury selection* Opening statements* Direct examination* Cross-examination* Witness impeachment* Witness rehabilitation* Expert witnesses* Hearsay* Character evidence* Courtroom evidence* Trial objections* Closing argument* Deliberations In addition, the handbook contains numerous "trial tips," practical real-world suggestions by the author concerning courtroom presentation and trial etiquette, not found in other more formal trial treatises. Because a substantial portion of the handbook is devoted to basic trial skills and strategies, and because California's rules of evidence mirror, or are very similar to, many other jurisdictions, the handbook is also useful to practitioners outside California. The handbook is meant to set forth the basic fundamentals of a trial, both procedural and practical, in a concise, and easy-to-follow format. It is an excellent refresher for experienced trial counsel and a good learning resource for the less-experienced and law students learning the trade. For the fundamentals of a criminal trial see Criminal Trial Handbook, also published by the author.