On the Jury Trial - by Thomas M Melsheimer & Craig Smith (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Looking for fly-on-the-wall insight into world-class trial preparation and strategy? Here it is. A behind-the-scenes tour of the inner workings of the judicial process? On the Jury Trial: Principles and Practices for Effective Advocacy, Second Edition has you covered. Its combination of advice, illustration, and commentary is every bit as valuable as it is unique. Topics include voir dire, opening statement, preparing witnesses, cross examination, using exhibits, closing argument, jury research, and more, with excellent examples and "do's and don'ts" provided throughout. Every litigator should have this book on the shelf, no matter the state in which they practice.

Review Quotes

You must have skill and courage to take your case to trial. Melsheimer and Smith help you acquire the skill and that bolsters your sense of courage. --Mike Tigar, author of Examining Witnesses, Persuasion: The Litigator's Art, and Sensing Injustice

I am constantly on the lookout for new "how-to" jury trial books. This book is by far the best "how-to" publication that I have encountered in many years. --Dan Webb, co-executive chairman, Winston & Strawn

Melsheimer and Smith, trial lawyer and judge, have produced a one-of-a-kind, easy-to-read guide that will help any lawyer achieve courtroom mastery.--Mark Lanier, Lanier Law Firm

Whether it is your first or 100th trial coming up, start by reading this book.--Abbe Lowell, Lowell & Associates

This is my absolute favorite trial advocacy book. It's chock-full of insights for every stage of a trial, but it never just tells you what to do--it teaches the why. And then the stories! They're so much fun for a trial junkie to read, but they also bring the lessons to life. --Stephen Shackelford, Susman Godfrey.