1. Introduction; 2. Rule I: Personal Advocacy; 3. Rule II: One Central Theme; 4. Rule II: Make the Case Bigger than its Facts; 5. The Four Laws: Primacy, Recency, Frequency and Vividness; 6. Opening Argument-Not Opening Statement; 7. Problems to Confront in Openings; 8. The Form of the Opening; 9. Final Considerations for Opening; 10. Edward Bennett Williams Opens; 11. Openings in Nonjury Trials; 12. Applications of the Principles to a Case; 13. The Colonial Pipeline Case; 14. Jury Voir Dire; 15. Voir Dire in Two Actual Cases; 16. Conclusion, Appendix A: United States v. Weber-Opening for the Government; Appendix B: United States v. Weber-Opening for the Defense; Index.

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.

... 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 ...

This is a valuable guide to help understand effective voir dire and jury selection strategies, and then to adapt these strategies to the unique circumstances faced in trial jurisdictions.

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.

Damages 3 provides step-by-step guidance on how to prepare opening statements; how to handle cross-examinations and defense "expert" examinations; and new, key methods that explain the relationship between liability and damages. Ball explains why jurors give, why they do not, and how to motivate them to provide a large verdict. -- from publisher.