Courtroom Psychology and Trial Advocacy

Testimonials

Courtroom Psychology and Trial Advocacy

Richard C. Waites, J.D., Ph.D

Hardcover, 600 pages

2003, ALM Press

Table of Contents

Excerpt from the book (pdf)

"Priceless. Instantly useful. Will challenge the reader and improve the trial lawyers' abilities to prevail in negotiation and trial." —William S. Sessions, former U.S. District Court Chief Judge, Partner, Holland & Knight, LLP

"This is a powerful book. A product of real scholarship and insight. If you take trial advocacy seriously, this is a book you need." —James W. McElhaney, well-known author, speaker and professor of trial advocacy

This revolutionary advocacy book incorporates state-of-the-art scientific psychological analysis of judge, jury and arbitrator decision making and shows you how to use these insights to develop your most powerful and persuasive arguments.

Courtroom Psychology and Trial Advocacy is a comprehensive look at how courtroom decision makers make their decisions on specific issues. It explains the research methods used to study their likely decisions in individual cases and how to apply this new understanding to every aspect of trial advocacy, from jury selection through closing argument.

This innovative guide differs from current trial advocacy primers by offering the most advanced information available about persuasion psychology in the courtroom and by translating this information into practical suggestions you can use effectively. In addition to the author's recommendations, you'll find helpful tips from some of the nation's most experienced and successful trial judges and trial partners in major law firms.

For trial and litigation attorneys, as well as corporate counsel and anyone who manages or oversees litigation, Courtroom Psychology and Trial Advocacy will help you understand the risks involved in a case, make important decisions about evidence, and develop the most powerful and compelling trial strategy.

About the author:
Dr. Richard Waites is one of the nation’s leading authorities in the field of jury decision making and trial advocacy. He has been quoted in nationwide and local media including The National Law Journal, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and ABC News. Waites has authored or contributed to eleven books and more than forty articles dealing with persuading judges, jurors, and arbitrators and with the use of scientific information to enhance performance in the courtroom.

Dr. Waites is a board-certified civil trial lawyer licensed in Texas. He is the founder and chief trial psychologist of Advocacy Sciences, Inc. and The Advocates, one of the nation’s most respected trial consulting firms. He obtained his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and his doctorate in psychology from Walden University. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Psychology-Law Society, the American Society of Trial Consultants, Defense Research Institute, and the American Corporate Counsel Association.

Over the past twenty years Dr. Waites has worked with hundreds of trial lawyers and corporate clients. Prior to becoming a national trial consultant, he appeared in more than seventy trials as lead attorney.

Table of Contents

Excerpt from the book (pdf)

Modern Visual Evidence

Nursing Home Litigation: Pretrial Practice and Trials

The Persuasive Edge

Preparation and Trial of Medical Malpractice Cases

Table of Contents

Click here for a Detailed Table of Contents

1. The Decision-Maker Oriented Approach to Trial Advocacy

2. The Psychology of Communication and Persuasion

3. Jury Psychology and Decision Making

4. Juror Perceptions about Common Issues in Personal Injury and Business Lawsuits