The Elements of Trial

The Elements of Trial provides a concise guide for law professors, law students, and every lawyer preparing for trial. This book offers invaluable advice on the following aspects of trial: Investigating your case Interviewing and preparing witnesses Organizing trial notebooks, discovery information, trial briefs, and exhibits Creating a theme Choosing or drafting jury instructions Asking questions of the court clerk and judicial assistant Framing your case-in-chief Filing motions in limine Pretrial hearings Making objections and understanding juror perceptions about the use of objections in trial Bench conferences Moving exhibits into evidence Voir dire (including your purpose beyond cause and peremptory challenges) Opening statement (structure, themes, establishing credibility, and what you should never do) Direct examination Cross-examination (constructive and destructive) Making a record Directed verdict/motion for judgment as a matter of law Rebuttal case Charging conference Closing argument Taking the verdict and polling the jury Posttrial motions Your impact on the trial The book also explains the applicable law related to each part of trial and offers ways to effectively implement the techniques and methods that Friedman and Cummings present.