Advocacy in Court: Preparation and Performance

Although we have expectations of competence and integrity from the other 'actors' in litigation there are those who are 'bad actors'. They are drawn from police, other lawyers, media and the judicial/tribunal officers before whom we run cases.Experience brings some ability to respond to such improper conduct; however, at any time in one's career it is important to have one or more mentors from whom good and timely advice can be sought.This episode describes some of the bad acts that you are likely to encounter. It also provides some hints as to how you can respond.Always try to keep in mind that bad acts by others are not a reason for you to do the same. Your clients, your colleagues, and our community depend upon our willingness to stand up to bad acts by clear, timely, appropriate 'calling it out'. That is much easier said than done but, as with everything in advocacy, preparation helps our performance.Please note:if you have any useful suggestions/ feedback please email the author on hughmselby@gmail.com ; and,There is a short, practical, but easily affordable book written by Hugh Selby and available on Amazon Kindle that accompanies this podcast series. It too is called, 'Advocacy in Court; preparation and performance'Also available on Kindle by Hugh Selby, with examples of Chief/Direct and Cross in fictional settings: Liar Games; and, The Bone Cancer.

This so-called rule of fairness afflicts the defence in both criminal and civil cases. We examine what the rule may require, how to pose questions that comply, how its application and consequences vary between criminal and civil cases.Episode 19, 'Bad things happen' - how you need to be prepared - released on 28 May 2022.Episode 20, all about interacting with jurors, especially in opening and closing, is being prepared in June 2022By the way, if you've gone to the trouble to listen to episodes 18 and 19 then delve into the podcasts on cross examination. There's useful material there that you haven't read and haven't heard about. Explore, enjoy, engage.Also available on Kindle by Hugh Selby, with examples of Chief/Direct and Cross in fictional settings: Liar Games; and, The Bone Cancer

What the Expert Witness Guidelines require. Settling the issues to be addressed by the expert. Contents and layout of an expert report. Objectives of your conference with the expert. Evidence by AVL.  Preparing for and cross-examining the other sides' expert.

Your witness needs to let you know during the cross-examination that you can safely raise a matter with them during your re-examination.  Even so, whether or not you re-examine requires you to assess the state of your case.Some aspects of questioning, such as having a  witness declared hostile/adverse/unfavourable, or raising bad character, or attacking credibility require the prior leave of the judicial officer. Be prepared by having your script in your trial note book.Closing argument admires the decision maker who has already decided in your favour and hopes to persuade the undecided decision maker to prefer your case to your opponent's. If you made promises at the beginning of the hearing then show how they were kept.  If they weren't kept then have a decent explanation.  Keep within the attention span of your audience, and deliver in such a manner that they can absorb and consider your points. With a judge alone be sure to inquire on the record as to whether you have addressed everything they expected.

To look or not to look at the target witness - it's a matter of personal style.The 'real time' risk assessment that governs how you conduct your cross-examination:  it can be OK to ask questions to which you do not know the answer.  It can also be OK to ask open questions.The thrill of the spontaneous 'perfect' question which is not spontaneous at all.Be sure to keep something good for the finish: write it out.Rehearse with your witnesses as to when they are to answer you opponent with 'Would you like me to explain'.

Is cross of the witness necessary?  If so, have you mapped your topics and your order?  How are you anticipating some of your closing argument in your cross-examination questions? Are you able to follow the simple guidelines of niceness, sharing, slowness, and deft use of silence?Drawing upon your case theory are you able to turn an opponent's witness into one of your own?Drawing upon the 'totality of listening' skills that you have been practising for chief are you able to see, hear and feel what is encompassed in a target witness's answer?How do you make good use of the witness's inevitable trivial lie?

If you make an opening statement then you are making a promise or promises.  Can you deliver on those promises?  If you don't then your opponent will point out your shortfall.  So cut the cloth of an opening to suit the strength of your case.Only make an objection when you have both a good legal basis and a tactical advantage.  The most common bases for an objection are described.If you are the 'object' of the objection then fight only those which are worth fighting. Remember that the fact finders are quick to discern both  the bullying objector and the 'less than skilled' target.

There are simple things that you can do to make your performance, and that of your witnesses, more persuasive.For you it includes your toolkit, whether and how you use a lectern, and how you monitor your progress.For your witnesses it includes their preparation to be in the witness box, their appearance, where they look, and what to do if they are giving their evidence from a remote location.