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Author: Paul Luvera

Luvera practiced plaintiff law 55 years. He is past President of the Inner Circle of Advocates & Washington State Trial Lawyers Association. Member ABOTA, American College of Trial Lawyers, International Academy, International Society of Barristers and the American Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame. Book Luvera on Advocacy available at Trial Guides Publishing Email paul@luvera.org
Cross examination about the failure to act to prevent harm to others

Cross examination about the failure to act to prevent harm to others

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Here are some thoughts about a safety cross examination when the defendant has failed to take steps to prevent hazards, injury or death to others. The evaluation process involves at least some of the following in this outline EVALUATING THE COST AND EFFORT INVOLVED TO ELIMINATE OR MINIMIZE THE HAZARD 1. Isn’t it true that: Any risk of serious bodily injury or death is always unacceptable if reasonable means could have been used to minimize or eliminatethe danger? 2. Agree…

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The importance of metaphors to trial lawyers

The importance of metaphors to trial lawyers

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George Lakoff is a Professor of Linguistics at the University of California, Berkeley. He has previously taught at Harvard University and is a well known authority in linguistics. He has written several books and is associated with the Rockridge Institute who offer internet information on the subject of language and communications. Lakoff wrote a book, Metaphors We Live By along with co author Mark Johnson. Lakoff confirms what research has demonstrated, that reality is defined by metaphor. Metaphors are part…

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Some simple ideas for voir dire

Some simple ideas for voir dire

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At a recent trial lawyer’s convention I attended in Boston I wrote down some ideas speakers suggested regarding jury selection. One lawyer from New Mexico gave a great talk about questions which put the jurors in the shoes of your client and help them become involved in the situation so they have personal concern. In defending a client accused of murder when she shot an ex husband who had come into her home at night she asked questions like: :…

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