WITNESS PREPARATION


Book Description




A Counsel's Guide to Examining and Preparing Witnesses in International Arbitration


Book Description

Mastering the art of witness examination is essential in order to prevail in international arbitration. Lawyers acting as counsel in arbitration know that witness evidence stands out from the plethora of documentary evidence in terms of uniqueness and authenticity. A vivid, first-hand live account of the events in issue exerts a strong influence on the arbitrators, and a handful of memorable testimonies can outweigh an avalanche of documents. This book shows how such mastery in the art of witness examination is accomplished. In the majority of today's international arbitrations, witness examination is modeled around the common law practice of lawyer-led questioning. Arbitration practitioners are therefore more and more expected to take charge of the examination process. Drawing on the principles of the art of advocacy in the common law tradition, this persuasive and highly engaging book sets out, in great detail, the practical techniques applicable to the use of witnesses in arbitration. The author describes such elements of witness evidence as the following: • differences between common law and civil law systems in regard to taking witness evidence; • techniques for interviewing witnesses and preparing witness statements; • question techniques for direct examination and cross-examination; • methods for developing forceful cross-examinations; • the boundaries of witness preparation; • preparing the witness for direct examination and cross-examination; • psychological risks of witness preparation; • guidelines for witnesses during direct examination and cross-examination. All topics are illustrated by way of practical examples, which also serve as a pool of useful model phrases and expressions. Practical appendices include ready-to-adapt sample documents, such as a procedural questionnaire, procedural rules and a witness statement. The book will be particularly useful for arbitration practitioners who have had little exposure to the adversarial approach to evidence and who wish to learn the ropes of lawyer-led witness examination and preparation. However, any practitioner stands to gain from applying the book's practical guidance and the author's wise counsel.




United States Attorneys' Manual


Book Description




Examining Witnesses


Book Description

This book covers virtually every type of witness and witness situation that a lawyer is likely to encounter.




Model Rules of Professional Conduct


Book Description

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.




Preparing and Presenting Expert Testimony in Child Abuse Litigation


Book Description

The testimony of expert witnesses to inform courtroom decisions is critical if intelligent and just verdicts are to be reached. Few judges, jurors or lay witnesses possess the necessary knowledge to adequately understand the complexities of human behaviour as they relate to acts of interpersonal violence. While lay witnesses can testify to actual incidents or observations, it is the expert witness who can provide forensic significance to such evidence. This volume clearly defines the need for and role of expert witnesses in litigation. The author demystifies the process, and provides practical guidance on preparing and presenting expert testimony. In so doing, he will assist courts to more accurately assess and weigh eviden




Basic Trial Techniques


Book Description




Deposing and Examining Employment Witnesses


Book Description

To make it easy for you to prepare for a particular deposition or examination, the book is organized by witness. Each witness-specific section delivers: (1) trial-tested strategies and arguments, (2) model deposition questions specific to cause of action and annotated with tactics, (3) checklists and tactics for direct and cross examinations, with extensive examples sprinkled with practice tips, and (4) summary checklists of the important points that should be inquired into for each cause of action. Tools and advice are provided for both employee and management attorneys.Mastering the art of questioning employment witnesses is a career-long process.It can take dozens of years in the courtroom to learn how to persuasively: (1) demonstrate that reasonable economists can disagree, (2) compel an adverse witness to ratify your position, and (3) contradict a manager or plaintiff on an important fact.Tod Schleier's Deposing & Examining Employment Witnesses will take years off your learning curve. It is filled with practical strategies, examples, tactics, and tips for successful questioning and other essential elements of employment advocacy.




The Art of Cross-examination


Book Description




A Litigator's Guide to Expert Witnesses


Book Description

The admission of expert witness testimony remains one of the most contentious, critical, and interesting aspects of modern-day litigation process. This book examines the role of the expert witness, focusing on taking depositions, expert qualifications, admissibility of testimony, attorney-client privilege, Daubert, rules of discovery and evidence, selecting and presenting experts, and direct examination of experts.