Legal Research

"Simple Jury Persuasion: My Opponent Has Great Rhetoric, I Have Reality"

This post was written by Rita Handrich: "...'Rhetoric', in modern times, is often used dismissively and seen as meaningless and perhaps manipulative as intimated in the phrase "mere rhetoric"...

In the courtroom, you can use the same strategy. Frame opposing counsel's oratory as 'rhetoric' and that becomes a code word between you and the jury for "meaningless and perhaps manipulative". You, on the other hand, have "reality"--a truthful and honest account. (Just make sure you back up that assertion with some facts.)..."

The full text of this post is available by clicking on the author's name.

Source: The Jury Room, 5 February 2010. Reproduced with permission of Douglas Keene.

Full post as published by Stark County Law Library Blawg on February 05, 2010 (boomark / email).