Cross Examination Letting the Jury See the Conflicts - Michael Tigar

Course Summary:

“Cross Examination: Letting the Jury See the Conflicts” by Michael Tigar is an in-depth masterclass on the critical skill of cross-examination in legal proceedings. Led by the esteemed trial advocate Michael Tigar, this course focuses on the strategic art of revealing inconsistencies, biases, and weaknesses in witness testimony to effectively persuade the jury. Tigar emphasizes the importance of understanding the narrative of the case, identifying key conflicts, and skillfully guiding witnesses to expose those conflicts in a way that resonates with the jury’s understanding of the facts and the law. The course goes beyond basic questioning techniques, delving into the psychological aspects of witness interaction and the art of crafting a compelling courtroom story through cross-examination.

Target Audience:

This program is ideal for:

• Trial lawyers and litigators of all experience levels seeking to enhance their cross-examination skills.
• Law students and new attorneys looking to build a strong foundation in trial advocacy.
• Legal professionals who want to learn advanced techniques for witness impeachment and jury persuasion.
• Anyone involved in legal proceedings where effective cross-examination is crucial for achieving favorable outcomes.
• Public defenders and prosecutors aiming to refine their courtroom strategies.

Main Content:

The program typically covers key areas such as:

• Understanding the Theory and Purpose of Cross-Examination: Defining the goals of cross-examination beyond simply challenging a witness.
• Developing a Strategic Approach to Cross-Examination: Planning and structuring your cross-examination to align with your case theory.
• Identifying Key Conflicts and Inconsistencies: Learning how to analyze witness statements and prior testimony to pinpoint vulnerabilities.
• Techniques for Eliciting Favorable Testimony: Guiding witnesses to reveal information that supports your case.
• Methods of Impeaching Witness Credibility: Effectively challenging a witness’s truthfulness and reliability.
• Using Documents and Exhibits in Cross-Examination: Integrating evidence to strengthen your questioning and highlight conflicts.
• Controlling the Witness and Maintaining Focus: Strategies for managing difficult or evasive witnesses.
• The Psychology of Witness Testimony and Jury Perception: Understanding how jurors interpret witness demeanor and responses.
• Ethical Considerations in Cross-Examination: Navigating the ethical boundaries of effective advocacy.
• Real-World Examples and Case Studies: Analyzing effective cross-examinations to illustrate key principles.