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TLU Case Analysis

REPLAY - TLU Live Vegas 2022 - Cross examination with an eye toward summation PART 1 & 2

Benedict Morelli

Benedict Morelli

Registering for this webinar will give you access to Parts 1 and 2. Use the same zoom link for Part 1 to view Part 2 on Feb 22nd.

Patience

  • Be slow and methodical
  • Wait for the witnesses to answer the questions
  • Listen and use their own words against them

Control

  • Control the witness. Don’t let the witness control you.
  • Control the narrative of the case.
  • Never chase the defendants. Let them chase you.

Credibility

  • Keep your credibility pristine and damage the defendants’ credibility. Work to do this with your cross-examination of every witness.
  • This will pay massive dividends in summation.
  • Figure out your approach to each witness
  • Making a mountain out of a mole hill.
  • How to do it and why it’s so important.
  • Making the witnesses’ answers ridiculous
  • How to emphasize this and why it’s so important.

Pace, Cadence and Demeanor

  • Tell the jury how to think and feel with the questions and answers.
  • Start slow and methodical.
  • Change speeds throughout the cross-examination. Staccato. Be lively.
  • Be patient.
  • Listen
  • Use the witnesses’ answers against them.
  • Don’t be interested in scoring a few points here and there. Your goal should be to destroy the witness and the defense.

Preparation

  • Lawyer cross examining should have some prepared questions, but not be wedded to them.
  • Listen to the answers from the witness.
  • What to do with a good answer. Leave it alone or press further?