NCJ Number
134085
Date Published
1990
Length
363 pages
Annotation
Papers in this compendium reflect trial preparation techniques developed by members of the National College of District Attorneys.
Abstract
The first paper, based on a Los Angeles County prosecutor's experience, provides detailed trial preparation guidelines. The second paper considers voir dire to be primarily the art of successful persuasion. Persuasion is interpreted broadly to include three goals: persuading the jury to like and trust the prosecutor, persuading the jury to consider the prosecutor's view of problem issues in a case, and persuading individual jurors to express themselves so that the prosecutor can make informed decisions as to who should be eliminated. Subsequent papers view the opening statement as an important part of the trial and address the persuasiveness of demonstrative exhibits versus testimonial evidence alone, making and meeting objections, and direct examination. Other papers cover how to confront the mistaken identification defense, defenses in drug cases, the insanity defense, cross-examination, and final arguments. Ethical and psychological dimensions of the trial process are discussed as well as use of the criminal as a witness.