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RUMPOLE'S SEVENTH RULE OF DEFENSE

By "Captain Liberty" and "Rumpole"

BREAKING NEWS: BECAUSE OF THE TROPICAL STORM THAT IS PASSING BY THE KEYS AND INTO THE GULF, ALL COURTS IN MONORE COUNTY WILL BE CLOSED SATURDAY. The bars will remain open as long as possible. Rumpole's 7th Rule of Defense: "Never ever tell the jury in voire dire or opening statement that your client will testify. Ever. No exceptions." Our friend and colleague David O Markus, who knows one or two things about winning a jury trial for the defense vehemently disagrees with us. While we leave it to David to fully elucidate his theories, he believes that establishing credibility with a jury is paramount and that overrides our reasons for never revealing that your client will testify. We feel there are two important reasons why you should never reveal that you client will testify:(in order of importance)1...continue to full post

Full post as published by Justice Building Blog on July 22, 2010 (boomark / email).