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Month: January 2020

EXCERPTS FROM GERRY SPENCE ARGUMENT IN HUNTER v LEWIS MALPRACTICE CASE

EXCERPTS FROM GERRY SPENCE ARGUMENT IN HUNTER v LEWIS MALPRACTICE CASE

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In 1982 Gerry Spence tried a case in Provo Utah, Hunter v. Lewis. The transcript of his opening summation has examples of persuasive ideas worth reviewing. Here are a few of them: “Now, in a little while the case of Joshua Hunter is going to be in your hands. And there’s something, however, that I want to say to you about that that’s important for you to understand; and that is: that each one of us are human beings, just…

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ANOTHER LOOK AT WHETHER YOU SHOULD TELL THE JURY DURING VOIR DIRE THE AMOUNT YOU WILL ASK FOR AS A VERDICT

ANOTHER LOOK AT WHETHER YOU SHOULD TELL THE JURY DURING VOIR DIRE THE AMOUNT YOU WILL ASK FOR AS A VERDICT

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There are jurisdictions where a plaintiff is not entitled to tell the jury the amount they will ask for as a verdict. But, in those states where it is allowed, should you disclose the amount in voir dire? Or wait until opening statement? Or wait for summation or perhaps not suggest a figure and allow them to decide? I’ve written about this before. See: https://plaintifftriallawyertips.com/does-the-amount-you-ask-for-as-a-verdict-effect-the-result Some experienced plaintiff lawyers believe that it is too early to disclose the amount in…

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