on Cross
THE BOOK
Cross-Examination: Science and Techniques
3rd Edition
Cross-Examination: Science and Techniques, Third Edition is an extensive revision and reorganization of Pozner and Dodd’s classic work, written to meet the needs of today’s trial attorneys. Pozner and Dodd’s signature techniques and methodologies, which have brought them acclaim as the nation’s leading experts on cross-examination, are illustrated with numerous new examples added specifically for the Third Edition. The authors provide their best-ever coverage of the “chapter method” of cross-examination with additional excerpts to illustrate various trial scenarios. New content also includes Chapter 6 on Cross Preparation Systems: Sourcing the Facts, giving you the tools to immediately inform a witness, and the court, what electronic or paper document you are using and exactly where in the document is the material upon which you are questioning. As always, the authors, who have lectured on cross-examination to thousands of attorneys worldwide, guide you to successful trial outcomes with a conversational, engaging, and easy-to-read writing style.
Effective cross-examination is a science with established guidelines, identifiable techniques, and definable methods. Attorneys can learn how to control the outcome with careful preparation, calculated strategy, effective skills, and a disciplined demeanor. Pozner and Dodd’s treatise remains the definitive guide to preparing cross-examinations.
Inside you'll find Pozner Dodd cross-examination advice on how to:
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Use opponents’ objections as the springboard for deeper and broader cross-examinations.
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Sequence cross-examination to teach the theory of the case in the best way, and to literally expand the rules of admissibility
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Use “loops” (the practice of incorporating and repeating key phrases and terms in successive questions to the witness) to rename witnesses and exhibits.
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Use “double loops” to discredit opposing expert witnesses.
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Use voir dire to create great jurors
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Use a fact-driven investigation to develop a winning theory
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Use a witness’s own words to follow your theme and theory
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Control the runaway witness
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Communicate winning theories in opening, cross, and closing
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Use loops to box in the witness
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Use tactical sequencing to create the most powerful cross
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Convert a witness’s silence into admission of fact
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Induce the witness to voice your pre-selected words
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Prepare for devastating impeachment
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Close off any escape routes for the witness
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Punish the evasive or “I don’t know” witness
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Control the crying witness
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Use timing, posture, inflection, diction, wording, eye contact, and other effects to emphasize a witness’s concession
Reviews
"This book has been work every penny I paid for it. My cross-exam skill increased dramatically with just a few tweaks using P&D's system. Very simply, if you are a trial lawyer and you are not using P&D, you will be at a great disadvantage at the courthouse against guys like me who know and use P&D. If you are a law student or just out of school, know and use P&D and you will quickly find yourself light years ahead of your peers."
- Amazon review
“Quite simply the greatest book on cross-examination that I have ever come across and worth every penny.”
- Barrister Blogger
"Outstanding. Changed my whole approach to cross-examination. It should be taught in law schools."
- Amazon review
"I found Pozner and Dodd's book the best money I've spent since graduating law school. As a criminal defense practicioner, I live and die with cross. The preparation and presentation skills taught in this book work wonders in the courtroom. The first case I tried after reading this book not only resulted in an acquital based purely upon my cross, but the judge congratulated me later by saying "great cross." Believe me, the price tag is the best money you'll spend."
- Amazon review