The Criminal Trial Handbook is a concise and practical treatise that sets forth the nuts and bolts of what every lawyer needs to know to competently and effectively try a criminal case. Designed for use by both prosecutors and defense attorneys, experienced and inexperienced, the handbook is compiled and written by a California Superior Court judge with nearly 30 years of courtroom experience. It follows the natural progression of a jury trial from the first day counsel arrive at the courtroom through the closing argument. At each stage of a trial, the applicable rules of courtroom procedure and evidence are explained. It covers common evidentiary trial issues, such as hearsay and character evidence, and includes the verbatim text for some of the most commonly used California Evidence Code sections and selected case law authorities. Topics covered include: * Pre-Trial Motions* Discovery* Jury Selection* Opening Statements and Closing Arguments* Direct Examination* Cross-Examination* Expert Witnesses* Hearsay * Character Evidence* Writings* Foundational Requirements for Evidence* Objections* DeliberationsIn addition, the handbook describes basic trial tactics, such as how to effectively cross-examine a witness, how to present evidence in the courtroom, and how to make persuasive opening statements or closing arguments. It also contains "Trial Tips," practical suggestions for the courtroom not ordinarily found in other legal treatises or law books. Although primarily geared towards criminal law, many of the trial procedures and tactics discussed are equally applicable in civil trials. The handbook is also a great resource for law students or anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of a criminal jury trial.

Criminal practice demands of new advocates a daunting array of skills. They must be interviewers, investigators, counselors, researchers, scribes, planners, negotiators, ethicists, strategists, and courtroom protectors of truth, justice, and the oppressed. Mastering these many skills takes time, a luxury the system too rarely affords. Here between two covers is a wise and readable guide to all facets of a new advocate's role. More than a trial-practice manual, this handbook looks beneath a lawyer's public duties to the preparation and planning that lead to courtroom success. And it gives both prosecutors and defenders an insider's view of their counterparts' roles, lending insights that build both effectiveness and mutual respect.

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.

"So you want to be a trial lawyer. By reading this manual you have chosen not to fail. By choosing not to fail, you are seeing yourself as a trial lawyer. You have resolved to stand up for those whose light shines dim and whose voice is heard small. It is now time to get your head in the game. The ultimate goal in any trial is to win. You win by telling your client's story in such a way that it compels the jury to see and understand it and believe in it the same way you do. You accomplish that by establishing your credibility with the jury -- by loving your client, telling the truth and being real"--

Includes bibliographical references and index.