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…
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…
Moe Levine is widely recognized as one of the leading trial lawyers of his day. He was an eloquent speaker and frequent lecturer to legal audiences around the country. He developed what he called “the whole man concept” which involved his arguing to juries you cannot injure part of a man and instead injure the whole person. He also argued pain destroys the enjoyment of life. He told juries any loss of life, loss of mobility, or loss of ability,…