Which of the following do you feel is the most important: the opening statement, cross/direct examination, or the closing statement? If you picked any of those, please explain why.
2007-04-28 07:29:10 · 6 answers · asked by jerseygirl101 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
cross examination because it builds foundation for what you can use in your closing which is the final word and the final impression. opening statements dont change anyones mind if they honestly look at the case. and a closing is nothing without material to build from.
2007-04-28 07:40:37 · answer #1 · answered by Carrie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cross examination if you are the defendant; Direct examination if you are the plaintiff.
The plaintiff wants to bring out all the facts and evidence that supports his case, direct examination allows him to do this.
The defendant wants to prevent the plaintiff from establishing the case and cross examination allows the plaintiff to poke holes in the plaintiff's case.
The funniest part of a trial is cross examination, but that is just my opinion. There is nothing like the look of horror on the other side's face when you crush their case in cross-examination.
2007-04-28 14:12:27 · answer #2 · answered by LawandOrder 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the circumstances.
If the defendant is guilty and the lawyer knows it, he or she has to snow the jury in which case I would say the closing statement summing up as much doubt that can be raised to fool the jury.
Same applies to prosecutors (such as the Duke case) where he or she knows the accused is innocent.
But in cases where the truth is on your side, I would say the lynch pin is whatever testimony turns up that proves the case.
Such as an eye witness who is unflappable upon cross examination.
Where is truth comes out is the most critical part. And that varies from case to case.
2007-04-28 07:37:25 · answer #3 · answered by John 16 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Off topic a little but in discovery.
This is the period before the trial where both sides exchange info and investigate the case.
The well prepared attorney is the best attorney. All of the theatrics and great crosses and closings are no good without proper info and preparation.
2007-04-28 14:44:35 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. Luv 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my experience, juries have generally made up their minds by closing statements.. I'd have to say cross and direct as jury's do have a knack for who is lying!
2007-04-28 07:38:39 · answer #5 · answered by cantcu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
jury selection...
and cross / direct....
cross direct try to investigate the true nature of the evidence.
2007-04-28 07:40:47 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋