Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%
Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.
Unconventional Lawyering Leading to Conventional Credibility
We have all heard the story of the defendant who is on trial for murder but, despite months of investigation, the police never recover the victim's body. So, in the defense attorney's closing statement, he devises a clever ploy. While addressing the jury, he says, “Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for you. Momentarily, the presumed murder victim will actually walk into this courtroom!” And with that, he points to the courtroom door. Immediately, everyone in the courtroom turns to the door in great anticipation, yet, a couple of minutes pass, and nothing happens. Finally, the lawyer turns toward the jury, smiling, and says, “The truth is, the presumed murder victim will not be walking through the door, I made that up. However, everyone here looked on with great anticipation, expecting the victim to walk through the door. That means you must have reasonable doubt as to whether anyone was ever killed in this case, so I must insist you return a verdict of Not Guilty”!
The ending to this story varies greatly from one version to the next. Some claim the jury still returned a guilty verdict, and others claim the ploy worked and the defendant was acquitted. Most believe the story is simply a fable crafted in the scripts of Perry Mason and the like. But fact or fiction, the story illustrates an important point. Thinking outside the box, and practicing unconventional lawyering skills, can often lead to credibility with a jury that run-of-the-mill lawyering could never achieve.
This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only
ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCESS TO THE SINGLE SOURCE OF OBJECTIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS, PRACTICAL INSIGHTS, AND NEWS IN ENTERTAINMENT LAW.
- Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
- Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
- Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts
Already a have an account? Sign In Now Log In Now
For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment
On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.
Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office
A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.
Bit Parts
Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights
How AI Has Affected PR
When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.