Model Witness Examinations

"The rules of evidence are one thing. The mechanics of correctly eliciting facts - in the heat of trial - can be quite another. In the latest edition of this classic handbook, more than 70 model examinations show you how to deal effectively with practical evidentiary issues that every trial lawyer faces. The authors - experienced and highly skilled litigators - give you trial-proven sequences of questions that translate the Rule of Evidence into examinations that will correctly prove facts and are easily molded to your specific case. The models cover a broad variety of basic issues that must be dealt with in direct, cross, and redirect and in the use of depositions and interrogatories. Each model starts with a description of a fact situation and is followed by the examination in Q & A format. Following each examination, the authors provide analytical comments in which they cite and explain the key cases, rules, and secondary authorities and provide tactical and strategic guidance. Models cover: recollection; documents; best evidence or original document problems; demonstrative and real evidence; opinions of the lay witness; opinions of the expert; character, habit, and custom; general interest; redirect; depositions; interrogatories. This edition includes new materials on direct examination and electronically stored information regarding social media and an extensive new chapter on cross examination. New models and updated citations provide litigators with a clear delineation of the law and issues and a clearly defined structure for proving facts, as well as sophisticated tactics and strategies. Model Witness Examinations, Fourth Edition is a hands-on guide and a powerful research tool ... before and during trial"--Unedited summary from book cover.