Trial Techniques and Trials

by Thomas A. Mauet, Stephen D. Easton

By far the most thorough and detailed of the books in the field, Trial Techniques and Trials is a comprehensive yet concise handbook that covers all aspects of the trial process and provides excellent examples illustrating strategies for opening statements, jury selection, direct- and cross-examination, exhibits, objections, and more. Extensive examples are clustered into three personal injury, commercial, and criminal for ease in finding particular areas of trial practice. Tom Mauet and Steve Easton, renowned for their skills both as writers and trial attorneys, break the trial process down into its critical components for better and quicker comprehension by students and practicing attorneys who have little or no trial experience.

New to the Twelfth Additional emphasis on the importance of relating to jurors, including grabbing—and keeping—the jurors’ attention Updates to reflect changes in the Federal Rules of Evidence Discussion of the occasional differences of opinion among effective trial lawyers about some trial tactics
Professors and students will benefit Integrated discussion of the strategy and psychology of persuasion—particularly regarding jury selection, opening statements, and closing arguments Numerous illustrations from tort cases, criminal cases, and commercial trials Broad and flexible examples that allow readers to focus on either the plaintiff’s or the defendant’s side of the case—or both Logical organization that follows the chronology of a trial process A companion website with additional examples, a trial notebook, and other tools for trial lawyers Video lectures about critical trial moments Video demonstrations of effective trial advocacy, including a complete jury trial Extensive supplemental materials available on the book’s Connected Casebook resource page

Genres: Law, School, Textbooks

677 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2013

Reviews

[Indira Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

i mean this is technically done for now, but I would be really interested in revisiting some of this material in the future when I have the time.

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trial Techniques is well divided into chapters on specific aspects of trial knowledge and skills. The book offered a strong foundation of case theory and case research, and the basics of developing a strong case. This includes how to influence juries, creating effective messages in opening and closing arguments using themes and labels, and how to present evidence in a concise and engaging manner. This book also includes strong trial vocabulary, definitions, and how/when to use them. My favorite part was the chapter on objections. The book explained objections very clearly, as well as when to use objections in trials. For example, if an object doesn't directly discredit the opponent's case or strengthen your own it is best to leave it be, to remain in good standing with the jury. Overall the book has a lot of great information, although it can be an absolute drag to read sometimes, which I would have to expect comes with the territory of any legal book.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walks you through step by step in plain English how to conduct a trial and how to make a jury favor your side. Great practical use.

[Kathryn Greene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m EIGHT (8) days away from being done with this class!! (Minus the final exam)

[emilia borg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had some good info, tips and tricks, etc. but definitely wasn’t the most engaging read for something that’s so interesting