Cross-Examination: Science and Techniques

by Larry S. Pozner, Roger J. Dodd

Science and Techniques, Third Edition is an extensive revision and reorganization of Pozner and Dodd’s classic work, written to meet the needs of today’s trial attorneys. Pozner and Dodd’s signature techniques and methodologies, which have brought them acclaim as the nation’s leading experts on cross-examination, are illustrated with numerous new examples added specifically for the Third Edition. The authors provide their best-ever coverage of the “chapter method” of cross-examination with additional excerpts to illustrate various trial scenarios.  New content also includes Chapter 6 on Cross Preparation Sourcing the Facts, giving you the tools to immediately inform a witness, and the court, what electronic or paper document you are using and exactly where in the document is the material upon which you are questioning.  As always, the authors, who have lectured on cross-examination to thousands of attorneys worldwide, guide you to successful trial outcomes with a conversational, engaging, and easy-to-read writing style. Inside you'll find valuable advice on how opponents’ objections as the springboard for deeper and broader cross-examinations.Sequence cross-examination to teach the theory of the case in the best way, and to literally expand the rules of admissibilityUse “loops” (the practice of incorporating and repeating key phrases and terms in successive questions to the witness) to rename witnesses and exhibits.Use “double loops” to discredit opposing expert witnesses.Use voir dire to create great jurorsUse a fact-driven investigation to develop a winning theoryUse a witness’s own words to follow your theme and theoryControl the runaway witnessCommunicate winning theories in opening, cross, and closingUse loops to box in the witnessUse tactical sequencing to create the most powerful crossConvert a witness’s silence into admission of factInduce the witness to voice your pre-selected wordsPrepare for devastating impeachmentClose off any escape routes for the witnessPunish the evasive or “I don’t know” witnessControl the crying witnessUse timing, posture, inflection, diction, wording, eye contact, and other effects to emphasize a witness’s concessionEffective cross-examination is a science with established guidelines, identifiable techniques, and definable methods. Attorneys can learn how to control the outcome with careful preparation, calculated strategy, effective skills, and a disciplined demeanor. Pozner and Dodd’s treatise remains the definitive guide to preparing killer cross-examinations, only from LexisNexis. 

Genres: Law

1986 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1993

Reviews

[Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most effective.

[taylor scofield · Rating 4 out of 5]

mandatory!!