Anyone who properly prepares for trial and follows common-sense rules of persuasion and advocacy can be a good advocate in the courtroom. How to Try a Jury Case is an essential text for training law school students, as well as beginning litigators, to communicate with jurors and achieve their clients' objectives at trial.Author John Kimberling tells how to prepare a case for trial and leads the lawyer through the opening statement, presentation of evidence, cross-examination, and closing argument. By studying this text, the beginner will avoid common mistakes.Reviews"This book should be required reading for all young litigators with little jury trial experience. It comprehensively covers most of the hurdles facing a new jury trial lawyer. It is written by a masterful trial lawyer. Jack Kimberling was the best trial lawyer I saw in my nearly 50 years in court rooms."-Francis J. MacLaughlin, White& Case (retired partner)"Mr. Kimberling's book gives good value to lawyers by offering"hidden gems" in preparing for and conducting a jury trial, such as keeping your last peremptory challenge because the next juror presented might be worse than the one you were going to challenge [and] making sure that the Judge actually says aloud that exhibits you offer are "admitted." Kimberling also includes several VERY useful lists of questions to ask jurors and witnesses. This is a first rate book!"-William B. Thompson, Attorney, Wheaton, Illinois

For people dealing with a personal injury claim, a landlord-tenant dispute, a small business scrape or any of the dozens of other possible legal muddles, this book points the way through the complex court system. The book also ncludes a chapter dealing with the specifics of handling a divorce, child custody or child support action.Written in plain English, Represent Yourself in Court breaks down the trial process into easy-to-understand steps so that you can act as your own lawyer -- safely and efficiently. Veteran attorneys Bergman and Berman-Barrett tell you what to say, how to say it, even where to stand when you address the judge and jury.Armed with the simple but thorough instructions in Represent Yourself in Court, you can be heard and taken seriously in any courtroom. Readers learn how to: „X file court papers „X handle depositions and interrogatories „X comply with courtroom procedures „X pick a jury „X prepare your evidence and line up witnesses „X present your opening statement and closing argument „X cross-examine hostile witnesses „X understand and apply rules of evidence „X locate, hire and effectively use expert witnesses „X make and respond to your opponent's objections „X get limited help from an attorney on an as-needed basis „X monitor the work of an attorney if you decide to hire one Whether you are a plaintiff or a defendant, this book will help you confidently handle a divorce, personal injury case, landlord/tenant dispute, breach of contract, small business dispute or any other civil lawsuit.

Two outstanding Texas trial lawyers—one of whom is now an equally respected district judge—have written On the Jury Trial, a “must have” reference for any trial lawyer aspiring to excellence or seeking to maintain it. Thomas M. Melsheimer and Judge Craig Smith have crafted a narrative-driven advice guide for trial lawyers to hone their craft. Chapter topics include voir dire, opening statement, preparing witnesses, cross examination, using exhibits, closing argument, jury research, and more, with excellent examples and “do’s and don’ts” provided throughout. Think of this book as the senior law partner’s memo to associates on how to really try a case. Looking for fly-on-the-wall insight into world-class trial preparation and strategy? Here it is. A behind-the-scenes tour of the inner workings of the judicial process? This book has you covered. Its combination of advice, illustration, and commentary is every bit as valuable as it is unique. Every litigator should have this book on the shelf, no matter the state in which they practice. The jury trial is a critical component of our democratic society, and its use in civil cases is unique to the United States. It is truly an example of our participatory democracy in action, and yet the jury trial is under attack from all sides, most notably from special interest groups who seek to have more cases decided by individual judges or by arbitration. These efforts have resulted in a decline of civil jury trials all over the country. A decline in the jury trial is a decline in justice. To preserve the jury trial, we must preserve the skills of trying a case effectively and efficiently. On the Jury Trial, in no small way, will add significantly to that effort.

This book is a collective work of the Trial Practice Committee of the ABA Section of Litgiation, with the end result being a "how-to" guide to presenting a case at trial.

... The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint trial jurors with the general nature and importance of their role as jurors; explains some of the language and procedures used in court, and offers some suggestions helpful to jurors in performing their duty ...

In this new, third edition of Theater Tips and Strategies for Jury Trials, David Ball updates his methods and approaches to jury persuasion. This practical step-by-step guide helps you navigate the changes that occur in jury trials instead of being blindsided by them. Based on both research and the experience of lawyers and trial consultants across the country, Theater Tips and Strategies for Jury Trials, Third Edition, presents techniques of the stage and screen you can use to win in the courtroom. Ball tells how to use theater concepts to persuade and motivate jurors. He tells attorneys how to look, talk, and act naturally, and to communicate the truth clearly and memorably, so they gain trust and credibility from judges and jurors. Ball provides practical guidance for voir dire, openings and closings, testimony, and focus groups. He describes what practitioners can learn from actors about their manner, voice projection, and behavior. He explains how to grab the jury from the beginningjust as a good movie opening captures the audience. He details how to prepare your {28}cast.

Jury service is one of the most important civic duties a person can undertake, yet it is often poorly understood. This booklet has been prepared in consultation with the Juries Commissioner's Office. It answers frequently asked questions about jury service and provides prospective jurors with a clear explanation of their responsibilities and the processes involved in trials. All potential jurors will receive a copy when they attend for jury service.