The Elements of Trial

  One of America's leading litigators, and Trial Guides' bestselling author, Rick Friedman brings you the first practical text on the fundamental skills you need to know when handling a trial. With trial experience increasingly rare, 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,