Product Description

Written with the principal aim of instructing the newcomer to the English Bar, this book includes frequent references to American and Commonweath procedures. It intends not only to teach, but also reveal the ground rules of persuasion which operate throughout modern society. The book gives information on the basic tools of advocacy - court etiquette, the jury, the client's character, three mandatory rules and some essential aims, speeches for the prosecution, speeches for the defense, judges, note-taking, endlinks and gadgets. The topic of examination of witnesses follows, covering - questioning, examination in chief, the basic approach to cross-examination, the objectives of cross-examination and re-examination. The final part of the book deals with trials without a jury, advocacy before the professional courts and advocacy before the non-professional courts.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #429916 in Books
• Published on: 1995-05-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

About the Author
Keith Evans is a member of the English and California Bars and a former head of London chambers. He practises on both sides of the Atlantic and is a highly regarded teacher of trial advocacy.

Customer Reviews

A must for those embarking on a career in court
The author wrote this book as a result of his experience as a pupil master and advocate over many years and it shows. In an entertaining manner he draws on his experience to sketch out several rules which the beginner at the Bar ought to obey to enhance their performance in court. Moreover, he provides vital hints and tips on what to do in the face of adversity and on how to get ahead in the pupillage stakes. For example, the chapter on note-taking whilst simple provides crucial information for the beginner. I look forward to reading more by the author - his style is approachable and well structured whilst the content is invaluable to the newly initiated.

Very Helpful
I read this book whilst travelling on trains to the ends of the earth during second six pupillage. I found it both entertaining and informative, albeit a little archaic. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a boost of confidence as their right of audience looms! The examination in chief section is very useful; helps you avoid repeating "And then what happened?" over and over again in court.

Yet another book from the word processor of Mr Evans
A slim volume, if that is not a contradiction in terms. Just 95 pages long. The book is full of very interesting if very arcane information. The book is spoilt, and made longer, by the authors continual reference to the American justice system.

If you have ever needed to know what to call the Lord Chancellor in the pub after a round of golf or wanted to know why everybody in court refers to each other as learned - "even though at least 50% of them are total idiots" - then this book is for you.

The book also deals with some of the verbal "tricks of the trade". How, with simple stock phrases, you can sound professional and make the best of what evidence you have.

Another book from the pen (or more likely, the word processor) of Mr Evans.