Utilize Tigar's Elements of Style in the Courtroom
Omit needless words, unless forced by your opponent and the court
to use them, and only then after making it clear that you would
rather do without them. The following is a partial list of phrases
that should be stricken from your vocabulary. If you find yourself
using them, even in practice sessions, stop and think.
- “Directing your attention to,” followed by a place
or time.
- “Did there come a time when . . . ?”
- “What, if anything, happened next?” This device
is used so you don’t lead the witness by suggesting the
answer. Nonsense. Something happened next, the laws of physics
say. It’s probably a dumb question in any case.
More
information about the book Examining
Witnesses, Second
Edition
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