Who Will Speak for the Victim? A Practical Treatise on Plaintiff’s Jury Argument

Summary of Contents

Part 1 The Concept of Forensic Argument

1. Interrelation of Argument and the Case
2. Preparing the Argument

Part 2 Concepts of Persuasion

3. Levels of Communication—Verbal, Vocal, and Physical
4. Subliminal Persuasion
5. Technique Versus Style

Part 3 Physical and Vocal Principles of Argument

6. The Trial Lawyer’s Appearance
7. Posture, Gestures, and Movement
8. Demeanor
9. Mechanics of Speech

Part 4 Verbal Principles of Argument

10. Selection and Use of Words
11. Use of Anecdotes and Poetry
12. Use of Similes, Metaphors, and Analogies
13. Use of Rhetorical Questions and Embedded Commands

Part 5 Argument Strategies

14. Content of Argument
15. How Juries Deliberate

Part 6 Specific Arguments on Liability

16. Arguing Liability—Generally
17. Workers’ Compensation
18. Automobile Cases
19. Premises Injuries
20. Product Liability
21. Medical Malpractice

Part 7 Specific Arguments on Damages

22. Arguing Damages—Generally
23. Physical Pain
24. Mental Anguish
25. Future Damages
26. Loss of Earning Capacity
27. Death

Part 8 Illustrative Arguments

28. The Case of the Redundant Oxygen—A Product Liability Argument
29. The Case of the Nurse Who Wasn’t Borrowed—A Hospital Liability Argument
30. The Case of the Unknown Future—An Automobile Injury Argument
31. The case of the Errant Surgeon—A Surgical Malpractice Argument

Bibliography
Index