USING THE AMA CODE OF MEDICAL ETHICS

USING THE AMA CODE OF MEDICAL ETHICS

The American Medical Association has adopted a code of medical ethics. Many of the administrative bodies of medical specialties have also adopted a code of ethics which apply to their members. Some of the codes contain provisions which can be used in cross-examining defense medical experts who are subject to the code. In some cases, the code contains provisions which make it clear that testimony on behalf of the plaintiff is discouraged. That kind of language may be useful in cross examination.  Other language…

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THE BENEFITS OF BEING THE REAL YOU IN TRIAL

THE BENEFITS OF BEING THE REAL YOU IN TRIAL

The topic is inspired by my reading of a trial transcript involving a plaintiff’s lawyer who clearly is continually thinking about themselves and not the jury. Being self centered is counterproductive and appearances are not deceiving when we are talking about jurors. We need to remind ourselves as plaintiff trial lawyers, that the decision about our case will be made by the jurors and that decision will be based upon their impression. Greatly influencing that impression will be us. Jurors…

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HOW TO PREPARE DIRECT WITNESS EXAMINATION

HOW TO PREPARE DIRECT WITNESS EXAMINATION

Examining witnesses looks easy on television and in the movies. Whether direct or cross examination, on television & the movies, it is always brief, entertaining and totally successful. It always looks so easy, until you do it in a court room with a real live witness. Your well-planned cross examination can unexpectedly not be the examination you had in mind when you started. Direct examination can be as much a challenge as well. That’s the real world for trial lawyers…

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