Massachusetts Courtroom Advocacy

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Preliminary Pages PREFACE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABOUT THE EDITOR ABOUT THE AUTHORS TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CHECKLISTS TABLE OF EXHIBITS Chapter 1 An Introduction to Trial Advocacy* § 1.1 ADVOCACY AS STORYTELLING § 1.2 THE CLIENT § 1.3 THE RULES § 1.4 STARTING TO WORK THE CASE § 1.5 GETTING READY § 1.6 THE TRIAL Chapter 2 Preparing for Civil Trial in Massachusetts § 2.1 INTRODUCTION § 2.2 ACTIONS REQUIRED AFTER TRIAL DATE IS SCHEDULED § 2.2.1 Clear Calendar and Contact Witnesses § 2.2.2 Move for New Trial Date Only If Necessary § 2.2.3 Prepare Trial Budget § 2.2.4 Reevaluate Case (a) Estimate Settlement Value (b) Develop Settlement Strategy (c) Consider Making an Offer of Judgment (d) Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution § 2.2.5 Consider Seeking Prejudgment Security § 2.3 ORGANIZATION § 2.3.1 Trial Logistics (a) Assemble Trial Team (b) Reserve Trial “War Room” (c) Make Travel Arrangements (d) Maintain Organized Files (e) Know Your Resources (f) Schedule Witness Preparation Sessions § 2.3.2 Supplement Discovery § 2.3.3 Discovery and Electronic Discovery § 2.3.4 Trial Notebook (a) Master Task List and Schedule (b) Players List (c) Trial Themes (d) Chronology (e) Annotated Exhibit List (f) Supplementation § 2.3.5 Due Diligence on Trial Judge (a) Trial Judge’s Trial Practices (b) Recusal § 2.3.6 Trial Frame of Mind § 2.3.7 Speedy Trial § 2.4 DEVELOP AND REFINE TRIAL STRATEGIES § 2.5 PLAN TO PRESENT YOUR CASE § 2.5.1 Overview § 2.5.2 Map Out Elements of All Claims and Defenses § 2.5.3 Tie Evidence to Elements (a) Pleadings (b) Motions (c) Legal Memoranda and Hearings Transcripts (d) Documents and Tangible Things (e) Party-Opponent Depositions (f) Depositions and Interviews with Friendly Witnesses § 2.5.4 Move to Amend Pleadings (If Necessary) § 2.6 GAME PLAN FOR INTRODUCING EVIDENCE § 2.6.1 Bases for Introducing Evidence (a) Stipulations (b) Agreed-to Trial Exhibits (c) Disputed Trial Exhibits (d) Witness Testimony (e) Judicial Admissions and Judicial Estoppel (f) Evidentiary Admissions (g) Former Testimony of Unavailable Witnesses (h) Judicial Notice (i) Presumptions (j) Adverse Inferences (k) Statutory Requirements for Introducing Evidence (l) Views § 2.6.2 Methods of Evidentiary Argument to the Court (a) Motions in Limine (b) Bench Memoranda and Highlighted Opinions (c) Trial Memoranda or “Cheat Sheets” (d) Objections Reference Sheet § 2.6.3 Protective Orders to Protect Proprietary or Confidential Information § 2.7 ORDER OF PRESENTATION § 2.7.1 Witness Order § 2.7.2 Trial Subpoenas § 2.7.3 Exhibit Order § 2.8 EXAMINATION OUTLINES AND WITNESS PREPARATION § 2.8.1 Preparation of Examination Outlines § 2.8.2 Demonstrative Aids § 2.8.3 Witness Preparation Sessions (a) General Principles (b) Inform Witnesses About the Process of Testifying (c) Prepare Witnesses for Direct Examination (d) Prepare Witnesses for Cross-Examination § 2.9 EXPERTS § 2.10 ORGANIZE DEFENSE § 2.10.1 Review Your Opponent’s Claims and Defenses § 2.10.2 Motions to Exclude Evidence § 2.10.3 Motions to Strike or Exclude Expert Testimony § 2.10.4 Bifurcation § 2.10.5 Sequestration of Witnesses § 2.10.6 Cross-Examination Outlines § 2.11 OPENING STATEMENT AND CLOSING ARGUMENT § 2.12 FOCUS ON TRIAL COMMUNICATION § 2.12.1 Language and Word Choice § 2.12.2 Presentation of Exhibits and Demonstrative Aids § 2.12.3 Trial Technology (a) Presentation Systems (b) Transcript Search Systems (c) Exhibit and Discovery Databases (d) General Preparation § 2.12.4 Trial Rehearsal § 2.13 JURY TRIAL CONSIDERATIONS § 2.13.1 Jury Selection § 2.13.2 Jury’s Role § 2.13.3 Charge to Jury § 2.14 BENCH TRIAL CONSIDERATIONS § 2.15 INITIAL PREPARATION OF TRIAL AND POSTTRIAL MOTIONS § 2.16 FINAL PRETRIAL CONFERENCE § 2.17 VISIT COURTROOM AND CONTACT COURTROOM CLERK AND COURT REPORTER § 2.18 FINAL PREPARATIONS AND RUN-THROUGH § 2.18.1 Touch Base with Witnesses § 2.18.2 Double-Check Exhibits and Demonstrative Aids § 2.18.3 Review Trial Notebook § 2.18.4 Pack Trial Boxes CHECKLIST 2.1—Witness Preparation Checklist CHECKLIST 2.2—Questions to Ask About the Judge Who Will Preside over Your Upcoming Trial CHECKLIST 2.3—Sample Objection Reference Sheet EXHIBIT 2A—Sample Trial Budget EXHIBIT 2B—Sample Trial Task List and Schedule EXHIBIT 2C—Sample Exhibit List EXHIBIT 2D—Sample Motion for a View EXHIBIT 2E—Sample Motion to Conclusively Establish Facts Based upon Judicial Admissions EXHIBIT 2F—Sample Motion to Exclude Character Witnesses EXHIBIT 2G—Sample Memorandum on Leading Questions EXHIBIT 2H—Sample Massachusetts Superior Court Notice to Appear for Final Pre-Trial Conference—Jury Trial EXHIBIT 2I—Sample Massachusetts Superior Court Pre-Trial Order—Jury Waived EXHIBIT 2J—Bibliography Chapter 3 Jury Selection § 3.1 INTRODUCTION § 3.2 PREPARING FOR JURY SELECTION § 3.2.1 General Principles § 3.2.2 The Role of Jury Consultants § 3.3 VENIRE § 3.4 CHALLENGING THE COMPOSITION OF THE JUROR POOL § 3.5 MECHANICS OF PICKING A JURY § 3.5.1 Preparing For Empanelment § 3.5.2 Jury Questionnaires § 3.5.3 Questioning the Jurors (a) Questioning by the Court In General Individual Voir Dire by the Court (b) Attorney-Conducted Voir Dire § 3.6 JURY SELECTION PROCEDURES § 3.6.1 Method One: Superior Court Rule 6 § 3.6.2 Method Two: Practical Method Often Employed in Superior Court § 3.6.3 Method Three: The Walker Jury Selection Method § 3.7 CRIMINAL OFFENDER RECORD INFORMATION (CORI) OF JURORS § 3.8 GROUNDS FOR JUROR DISQUALIFICATION § 3.9 CHALLENGES § 3.9.1 Challenges for Cause § 3.9.2 Peremptory Challenges § 3.10 THE MATHEMATICS OF JURY SELECTION § 3.11 CORRECTING ERRORS IN JURY SELECTION Chapter 4 Opening Statement § 4.1 INTRODUCTION § 4.2 DELIVERY § 4.3 ADVOCACY WITHOUT ARGUMENT § 4.4 ORGANIZATION § 4.5 THEME § 4.6 OTHER ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE OPENING § 4.6.1 Clarity § 4.6.2 Editing § 4.6.3 Brevity § 4.6.4 Credibility § 4.6.5 Prima Facie Case § 4.7 DEMONSTRATIVE AIDS § 4.8 CONCLUSION Chapter 5 Introduction of Evidence § 5.1 INTRODUCTION § 5.2 TESTIMONIAL EVIDENCE § 5.3 INTRODUCTION OF EXHIBITS IN GENERAL § 5.3.1 Stipulated Exhibits § 5.3.2 Disputed Exhibits (a) Mark the Exhibit for Identification (b) Show the Exhibit to the Other Side (c) Provide the Exhibit to the Witness (d) Lay the Foundation (e) Move for Admission (f) Publish to the Jury § 5.4 DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE—SPECIFIC FOUNDATIONAL REQUIREMENTS § 5.4.1 Authentication and Best Evidence § 5.4.2 Avoiding Hearsay Objections § 5.4.3 Business Records § 5.4.4 Hospital Records, Medical Reports, and Medical Bills (a) Hospital Records (b) Medical Reports and Medical Bills § 5.4.5 Public Records (a) Records Relating to Birth, Marriage, or Death (b) Records of the Registry of Motor Vehicles (c) Police Reports (d) Investigative Reports of State Agencies (e) “Testimonial” Documents § 5.4.6 Learned Treatises § 5.4.7 Admissions and Former Testimony § 5.4.8 Prior Convictions § 5.4.9 Absence of Business Entry § 5.4.10 Use of Documents Not Introduced as Exhibits § 5.5 REAL EVIDENCE § 5.5.1 Physical Evidence § 5.5.2 Views § 5.6 DEMONSTRATIVE EXHIBITS § 5.6.1 Photographs and Video Generally § 5.6.2 Graphic Photographs § 5.6.3 Experiments, Demonstrations, and Reenactments § 5.6.4 Maps and Diagrams § 5.6.5 Summaries § 5.7 COMPUTER-GENERATED EVIDENCE § 5.7.1 Computer Data § 5.7.2 Computer-Generated Graphics (a) Illustrations (b) Simulations and Models § 5.8 CHALKS § 5.9 DEPOSITION TESTIMONY § 5.10 USE OF VIDEORECORDED DEPOSITIONS § 5.10.1 Procedure § 5.10.2 Practical Considerations § 5.11 STIPULATIONS, ADMISSIONS, INTERROGATORIES, AND JUDICIAL NOTICE § 5.11.1 Stipulations § 5.11.2 Admissions § 5.11.3 Interrogatory Responses § 5.11.4 Judicial Notice § 5.12 ORDER OF EVIDENCE § 5.13 PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING EXHIBITS § 5.13.1 Courtroom Dynamics § 5.13.2 Displaying Exhibits to the Jury CHECKLIST 5.1—Practical Suggestions for Organizing Your Presentation of Evidence Chapter 6 Objections § 6.1 INTRODUCTION § 6.2 PROTECTING THE RECORD—WHEN TO OBJECT § 6.2.1 Civil Cases § 6.2.2 Criminal Cases § 6.3 OBJECTIONS BEFORE TRIAL § 6.3.1 Pretrial Memoranda and Conferences § 6.3.2 Motions in Limine § 6.4 HOW TO HANDLE OBJECTIONS DURING TRIAL § 6.4.1 Deciding Whether to Object § 6.4.2 Stating Your Objection § 6.4.3 Offer of Proof § 6.4.4 Conferences at Sidebar § 6.4.5 What to Do After a Ruling § 6.4.6 Renewing Objections § 6.4.7 Pursuing the Line of Questioning § 6.4.8 Evidence Offered “De Bene” § 6.4.9 Motions to Strike § 6.4.10 Request for Curative or Limiting Instruction § 6.4.11 Motion for a Mistrial § 6.5 PARTICULAR OBJECTIONS § 6.5.1 Conflict of Interest of Opposing Counsel § 6.5.2 Objections to Opening Statements § 6.5.3 Objections to Admission of Documents and Things § 6.5.4 Objecting to Portions of Documents § 6.5.5 Statutory Requirements for Introducing or Objecting to Evidence § 6.5.6 Evidence Offered for Limited Purpose § 6.5.7 Evidence Admissible Against Fewer than All Parties § 6.5.8 Joining in Objections by Other Parties § 6.5.9 Taking the Lead When There Are Multiple Parties § 6.5.10 When the Judge Did Not Fix the Problem § 6.5.11 Witnesses Taken Out of Order § 6.5.12 Questions by the Judge § 6.5.13 Objections to Closing Arguments § 6.5.14 Objections to Special Verdict Form § 6.5.15 Objections to the Jury Charge § 6.5.16 Inconsistent Verdicts EXHIBIT 6A—Common Objections to Documentary Evidence EXHIBIT 6B—Some Common Objections to Testimony Chapter 7 Direct Examination § 7.1 INTRODUCTION § 7.2 PREPARATION § 7.2.1 Informal Discovery § 7.2.2 Anticipate the Jury Instructions § 7.2.3 Know Your Witnesses § 7.2.4 Study the Scene § 7.2.5 Plan the Introduction of Your Main Witness § 7.2.6 Plan for Breaks § 7.2.7 Use Tools for Organization § 7.2.8 Introducing an Exhibit at Trial § 7.3 EXAMINATION TECHNIQUE § 7.3.1 Relationship to the Jury § 7.3.2 Foundation § 7.3.3 Objections & Offers of Proof § 7.3.4 Simple Questions § 7.3.5 Refreshing Memory and Past Recollection Recorded § 7.4 VISUAL AIDS CHECKLIST 7.1—Rules for Witnesses Facing Cross-Examination CHECKLIST 7.2—Preparing Your Witness for Trial CHECKLIST 7.3—Common Objections and Issues: Use of Digital Photography CHECKLIST 7.4—Common Objections and Issues: Use of Video CHECKLIST 7.5—Common Objections and Issues: Points of View in Computer Simulations CHECKLIST 7.6—Common Objections and Issues: Illustrative Aids in General EXHIBIT 7A—Proposed Model Jury Instructions on the Use of Technology and Social Media* EXHIBIT 7B—Sample Exhibit List Chapter 8 Cross-Examination § 8.1 INTRODUCTION § 8.2 THRESHOLD QUESTIONS § 8.2.1 Pretrial Preparation (a) General Principles (b) Plan for Each Witness (c) Preparing Deposition Transcripts § 8.2.2 Decision to Cross-Examine § 8.2.3 Scope of Cross-Examination § 8.3 PROPER TECHNIQUE § 8.3.1 Physical Presence in the Courtroom § 8.3.2 Overall Themes and Structure § 8.3.3 Types of Questions (a) Examples of Cross-Examination Technique (b) Basic Principles (c) Form of the Question (d) Form of the Answer (e) Exceptions to the Rules § 8.4 SUBSTANTIVE REASONS TO CROSS-EXAMINE § 8.4.1 Impeachment (a) General Principles (b) Prerequisites (c) Prior Inconsistent Statements (d) Bias (e) Bad Character § 8.4.2 Acquiring Helpful Testimony § 8.4.3 Limiting Harmful Testimony § 8.5 TYPES OF WITNESSES § 8.5.1 Expert Witnesses § 8.5.2 Star Witnesses § 8.5.3 Records Witnesses § 8.5.4 Special Care Witnesses § 8.5.5 “Blind” Cross-Examinations § 8.5.6 Remote Witness Testimony § 8.5.7 Witness Historian (a) Impeachment for Bias (b) What’s Missing? (c) Turn the Tables § 8.6 WHAT IF MY CROSS-EXAMINATION FAILS? § 8.7 CONCLUSION EXHIBIT 8A—Resources Chapter 9 Examination of Experts* § 9.1 PRESENTING DIRECT TESTIMONY AT TRIAL § 9.1.1 Preparing the Expert to Testify (a) Review of Appropriate Materials (b) Dress and Scheduling (c) Order of Expert Testimony (d) Planning Visual and Demonstrative Aids (e) Guidelines for Direct and Cross-Examination § 9.1.2 Direct Examination (a) Qualifying the Expert (b) The Expert as Educator (c) Explaining the Case (d) Experiments and Demonstrations (e) Eliciting Opinions Personal Knowledge Admissible Evidence Inadmissible Bases for Opinions Opinions Based on Statistics (f) Hypothetical Questions (g) Other Forms for Eliciting Opinions (h) Supporting Opinions with Documents (i) De Bene Testimony (j) Foundation Testimony for Other Witnesses (k) Offer of Proof § 9.1.3 Dealing with Objections (a) Failure to Properly Disclose (b) Qualifications (c) Standards Different Specialties Lack of Formal Education Lack of Practical Experience (d) Reliability of Scientific Methodology (e) Ultimate Issue Versus Legal Conclusion (f) Documents Used to Prepare for Testimony or Refresh Recollection (g) Spoliation of Evidence § 9.1.4 Videorecorded Testimony (a) Rule 30A Requirements Notice and Timing Expert Report Technical Aspects Availability of Witness (b) Practical Considerations Advantages and Disadvantages Length Camera Positioning and Witness Behavior Objections and Interruptions of Opposing Counsel (c) Rulings on Objections (d) Editing Procedures § 9.2 OPPOSING EXPERT TESTIMONY AT TRIAL § 9.2.1 Introduction § 9.2.2 Motions in Limine (a) Potential Grounds Untimely Disclosure of Expert Opinion Opinion Is Not “Beyond the Ken” of the Trier of Fact Expert Is Unqualified Daubert Challenges (b) Voir Dire, or Not § 9.2.3 Objections During Direct Examination § 9.2.4 Cross-Examining the Expert at Trial (a) Determining the Need to Cross-Examine—Fools Rush In (b) Attacking Experts on Multiple Fronts Qualifications Activities Opinions Knowledge of Facts Spoliation Bias (c) Use of Treatises (d) Use of Graphics and Video (e) Manner Control Forms of Questions; Language Demeanor Timing Scope § 9.2.5 Re-Cross-Examination of the Expert Witness EXHIBIT 9A—Suggested Forms for Opinion Questions Chapter 10 Closing Argument—Plaintiff’s Perspective § 10.1 PURPOSE OF CLOSING ARGUMENT § 10.2 WHEN TO PREPARE § 10.3 HOW TO PREPARE § 10.4 LENGTH § 10.5 DELIVERY § 10.6 FAMILIARITY § 10.7 AVOIDING PLATITUDES § 10.8 ARGUING THE FACTS § 10.9 ARGUING THE LAW § 10.10 DAMAGES § 10.10.1 Per Diem § 10.10.2 Specific Numbers § 10.10.3 General Damages § 10.11 USE OF TRANSCRIPTS OR DEMONSTRATIVE AIDS § 10.12 OTHER ISSUES § 10.12.1 Inferences and Rhetorical Questions § 10.12.2 Missing Witnesses § 10.12.3 Exercise of Privilege § 10.12.4 Settlements § 10.12.5 Effect of Comparative Negligence § 10.13 CHECKLIST OF “DON’TS” § 10.13.1 Do Not Set the Burden of Proof Too High § 10.13.2 Do Not Misstate the Evidence § 10.13.3 Avoid Improper References to Personal Beliefs and Experiences § 10.13.4 Avoid Inappropriate Objections § 10.14 RESPONDING TO THE OPPONENT’S CLOSING § 10.15 EXAMPLES OF CLOSING ARGUMENT EXHIBIT 10A—Closing Argument Excerpt: Sympathy Versus Justice EXHIBIT 10B—Closing Argument Excerpt: Numerous Ways Injury Could Have Been Prevented EXHIBIT 10C—Closing Argument Excerpt: Defendant’s Motive in Medical Negligence Case EXHIBIT 10D—Closing Argument Excerpt:“Saving Something for Closing” EXHIBIT 10E—Closing Argument Excerpt: Contradictions in Defense Theory EXHIBIT 10F—Closing Argument Excerpt:Damages for Permanent Disability EXHIBIT 10G—Closing Argument Excerpt: Damages in Death Case EXHIBIT 10H—Closing Argument Excerpt: Defendants Blaming Each Other and Plaintiff EXHIBIT 10I—Closing Argument Excerpt:Products Liability (Unguarded Machine) Chapter 11 Closing Argument—Defendant’s Perspective § 11.1 INTRODUCTION § 11.2 READING THE JURY § 11.3 MECHANICS OF THE CLOSING § 11.4 THE CHARGE CONFERENCE AND INSTRUCTIONS TO THE JURY § 11.5 CREDIBILITY OF WITNESSES § 11.6 SEGMENTS OF THE CLOSING § 11.6.1 Introduction § 11.6.2 Discussion of the Case § 11.6.3 Request for Specific Amount of Damages § 11.6.4 Conclusion CHECKLIST 11.1—Do’s and Don’ts for Closing Argument EXHIBIT 11A—Examples of Closing Argument Chapter 12 Trial Motion Practice § 12.1 INTRODUCTION § 12.2 BASIC CONSIDERATIONS § 12.2.1 Is the Motion Worth It? § 12.2.2 Joint and Assented-to Motions § 12.2.3 Good Faith § 12.3 DRAFTING MOTIONS § 12.3.1 General Considerations § 12.3.2 Rules of Civil Procedure Governing Motion Practice (a) Motions Based on Facts (b) Statement of Reasons (c) Method and Time for Service of Motions and Oppositions State Court Rules Federal Court Rules (d) Cross-Motions State Court Rules Federal Court Rules (e) Form of Oppositions (f) Reply Briefs (g) Hearings § 12.4 DRAFTING MEMORANDA IN SUPPORT § 12.4.1 Length of Supporting Memorandum § 12.4.2 Introduction § 12.4.3 Background § 12.4.4 Argument § 12.4.5 Conclusion § 12.5 WRITTEN OPPOSITIONS § 12.6 EXHIBITS TO MOTIONS AND OPPOSITIONS § 12.7 ARGUING MOTIONS IN COURT § 12.7.1 Basic Do’s and Don’ts § 12.7.2 Preparation § 12.7.3 Educating the Judge § 12.7.4 Oral Argument (a) In General (b) Introduction (c) Argument (d) Opposition § 12.7.5 Rebuttal § 12.8 MOTIONS BEFORE TRIAL § 12.8.1 Motion to Continue Trial § 12.8.2 Motions in Limine (a) Importance (b) Form and Filing (c) Evidentiary Issues (d) Nonevidentiary Issues (e) Lack of Finality (f) Preservation of Opposition to Ruling (g) Standard of Review § 12.9 MOTIONS DURING TRIAL § 12.9.1 Motion for Directed Verdict; Motion for Judgment (a) Overview (b) Standard for Allowance (c) Timing (d) Written Form (e) Requirement for Filing a Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (f) Requirement for Preserving Appellate Rights (g) Jury-Waived Trials (h) Standard for Appellate Review § 12.9.2 Motion for Summary Judgment § 12.9.3 Motion to Amend Issues in Pleadings (a) Standard for Allowance (b) Timing § 12.9.4 Motion to Poll the Jury § 12.9.5 Motion to Reconcile Inconsistent or Incomplete Verdicts § 12.9.6 Motion for Mistrial (a) Standard for Allowance (b) Timing (c) Standard for Appellate Review § 12.10 MOTIONS AFTER TRIAL § 12.10.1 Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (a) Overview (b) Standard for Allowance (c) Timing (d) Standard of Appellate Review (e) Right to Hearing (f) Requirement for Preservation of Appellate Rights § 12.10.2 Motion for a New Trial (a) Overview (b) Standard for Allowance (c) Sua Sponte Order of New Trial (d) Preservation of Rights (e) Timing (f) Right to Hearing (g) Standard of Appellate Review (h) Relationship to Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict § 12.10.3 Motion for Relief from Clerical Mistake § 12.10.4 Motion for Remittitur (a) Standard for Allowance (b) Timing (c) Standard for Appellate Review § 12.10.5 Motion for Additur (a) Standard for Allowance (b) Timing (c) Standard for Appellate Review § 12.10.6 Motion to Alter or Amend Judgment (a) Standard for Allowance (b) Timing § 12.10.7 Motion for Relief from Judgment (a) Overview (b) Timing (c) Effect on Appeal (d) Standard of Appellate Review Chapter 13 Damages—Plaintiff’s Perspective* § 13.1 INITIAL EVALUATION OF THE CLIENT’S DAMAGES § 13.1.1 General Considerations § 13.1.2 Background Information § 13.1.3 Assessment of the Client § 13.1.4 Nature and Extent of the Injury § 13.1.5 Potential Causes of Action § 13.1.6 Potential Restrictions on Recovery § 13.1.7 Approaches to Evaluation § 13.2 RECOVERY OF TRADITIONAL DAMAGES FOR BODILY INJURY § 13.2.1 General Principles § 13.2.2 Medical Expenses § 13.2.3 Motor Vehicle Claims § 13.2.4 Pain and Suffering § 13.2.5 Emotional and Mental Distress § 13.2.6 Impairment of Earning Capacity § 13.2.7 Comparative Fault § 13.2.8 Settlements § 13.3 DAMAGES FOR WRONGFUL DEATH § 13.3.1 Scope of Statute § 13.3.2 Proper Plaintiff § 13.3.3 Compensatory Damages § 13.3.4 Conscious Pain and Suffering (a) Requirements for Recovery (b) Evidence to Support Finding § 13.3.5 Comparative Negligence (a) Reduction of Recovery Generally (b) Intentional Act by Defendant (c) Negligence of Beneficiary (d) Breach of Warranty (e) Punitive Damages § 13.3.6 Distribution of Award § 13.3.7 Evidence § 13.3.8 Punitive Damages § 13.4 DAMAGES FOR WRONGFUL BIRTH § 13.4.1 General Principles § 13.4.2 Measure of Damages § 13.4.3 Evidence § 13.5 DAMAGES FOR MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL DISTRESS § 13.5.1 General Principles § 13.5.2 Intentional Infliction § 13.5.3 Employment Cases § 13.5.4 Scope of Damages § 13.5.5 Manifestation of Distress § 13.5.6 Evidence § 13.6 DAMAGES IN MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ACTIONS § 13.6.1 General Principles § 13.6.2 Limitations on Damages § 13.6.3 Collateral Source Benefits § 13.6.4 Joint Liability § 13.6.5 Evidence § 13.7 DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF CONSORTIUM § 13.7.1 General Principles § 13.7.2 Child’s Claim § 13.7.3 Parent’s Claim § 13.7.4 Spouse’s Claim § 13.7.5 Size of Award § 13.7.6 Comparative Fault § 13.8 PRETRIAL PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION OF DAMAGES AT TRIAL § 13.9 WORKING WITH DAMAGES EXPERTS Chapter 14 Damages—Defendant’s Perspective § 14.1 INTRODUCTION § 14.2 PREDISCOVERY INVESTIGATION § 14.3 DISCOVERY AND POSTSUIT INVESTIGATION § 14.3.1 Electronically Stored Information § 14.3.2 Interrogatories § 14.3.3 Requests for Production of Documents § 14.3.4 Court Orders for Hospital Records § 14.3.5 Depositions (a) Plaintiff’s Deposition (b) Nonparty Depositions (c) Expert Depositions § 14.3.6 Keeper of Records Deposition Subpoenas (a) Keeper of Records Subpoenas for Medical Records (b) Keeper of Records Subpoena Duces Tecum to Health Insurers (c) Subpoena Duces Tecum to Plaintiff’s Employers (d) Keeper of Records Subpoena to Workers’ Compensation Insurer (e) Other Subpoenas (f) Related Investigation § 14.4 SURVEILLANCE § 14.5 REQUESTS FOR ADMISSION OF FACT § 14.6 MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT § 14.7 MOTION TO BIFURCATE TRIAL § 14.8 MOTION IN LIMINE § 14.9 DAUBERT-LANIGAN MOTIONS § 14.10 THE TRIAL § 14.10.1 Opening Statement § 14.10.2 Particularly Challenging Types of Damages Claims (a) Neuropsychological Damages (b) Personality Deficits (c) Hedonistic Damages (d) Enhanced Damages—Crashworthiness (e) Economic Losses (f) Punitive Damages (g) Emotional Distress § 14.11 CLOSING ARGUMENT § 14.12 CONCLUSION CHECKLIST 14.1—Checklist for Deposition of Plaintiff EXHIBIT 14A—Letter, Application for Court Order, and Proposed Court Order Pursuant to Superior Court Rule 13 EXHIBIT 14B—Notice Letter to Counsel and Keeper of Records Subpoena for Medical Records EXHIBIT 14C—Notice Letter to Counsel and Keeper of Records Subpoena for Health Insurance Records EXHIBIT 14D—Subpoena for 30(b)(6) Deposition of Plaintiff’s Employer EXHIBIT 14E—Keeper of Records Subpoena to Workers’ Compensation Insurer Chapter 15 Trial Advocacy in Criminal Defense § 15.1 INTRODUCTION § 15.2 A PREPARATION SYSTEM § 15.2.1 Read and Examine Everything Again § 15.2.2 Create Charts to Track Witness Statements § 15.2.3 Compare Your Case to the Ideal Commonwealth Case § 15.2.4 Compare the Actual Police Investigation with the Rules and Regulations Governing the Police Department § 15.2.5 Create Point Sheets § 15.2.6 Use the Law to Improve Your Case with Trial Motions § 15.3 CONSTRUCTING THE TRIAL PLAN § 15.3.1 The Facts of Life: Obstacles to Juror Comprehension of the Theory of Defense § 15.3.2 Overcome the Obstacles Through Effective Communication (a) Use Expressive Language, Not Legalese (b) Use Primacy and Recency to Emphasize Your Important Points (c) Control Perception by Using Details to Create Visual Images § 15.4 THE TRIAL § 15.4.1 Trial Motions (a) Motions in Limine (b) Motions to Sequester Witnesses § 15.4.2 Jury Selection § 15.4.3 The Venire (a) Challenges to the Composition of the Array (b) Number of Jurors (c) Information About Potential Jurors The Standard Juror Questionnaire (d) Supplemental Questionnaire (e) Identifying Issues for Jury Selection (f) Tactics in Jury Selection § 15.4.4 Motion for Juror Voir Dire (a) Motion for Voir Dire and the Court’s Questions of the Venire (b) Required Individual Voir Dire (c) Service and Filing of Motion for Attorney Participation in Juror Voir Dire (d) Motion for Examination of Jurors and Affidavits in Support (e) Additional Affidavits in Support of Individual Voir Dire (f) Questions That May Be Asked and Those That May Not During Attorney-Conducted Voir Dire (g) Attorney-Conducted Individual Voir Dire (h) Attorney-Conducted Panel Voir Dire (i) Objections (j) Time Limits § 15.4.5 Juror Exclusions and Challenges (a) Challenges for Cause (b) Peremptory Challenges (c) Improper Use of Peremptory Challenges § 15.4.6 The Opening Statement (a) The Purpose of the Opening Statement (b) When to Make the Opening (c) How to Make an Effective Opening Statement In the Beginning Once Upon a Time Persuasive Tools Promise Only What You Know You Can Deliver “Humanize” the Defendant Close the Loop of Persuasion with Your Last Sentence Some Notes About Delivery § 15.4.7 Cross-Examination (a) The Purpose of Cross-Examination (b) Cross-Examination Approaches Constructive Cross-Examination Destructive Cross-Examination Combined Constructive and Destructive Cross-Examination Not Every Witness Must Be Cross-Examined Undermining a Witness’s Credibility (c) Organize Your Examination by Topic (d) Execution and Delivery of the Cross-Examination Stick to Your Plan Ask Questions to Which You Know the Answer Maintain Control Through the Form of Your “Questions” Do Not Ask “One Question too Many” Loop Answers for Emphasis and Persuasive Power Techniques for the Unresponsive or Runaway Witness Some Notes About Delivery (e) Impeachment Impeachment by Prior Inconsistent Statement and Omission: The Law Impeachment by Prior Inconsistent Statement and Omission: Tactics Impeachment by Prior Inconsistent Statement and Omission: Examples Impeachment by Prior Conviction: The Law Impeachment by Prior Conviction: Example (f) Refreshing Recollection Refreshing Recollection: The Law Refreshing Recollection: Example § 15.4.8 Motion for Required Finding of Not Guilty § 15.4.9 Direct Examination (a) Assess the Threat to the Witness from the Commonwealth (b) Should You Call the Defendant What to Do if You Suspect Perjury (c) Preparing the Witness to Testify Interview the Witness in Detail Write Out the Witness’s Testimony in Story Form Practice Both Direct and Cross-Examination with the Witness Instruct the Witness on How to Be a Good Witness Presenting the Witness’s Testimony at Trial Use Open-Ended Questions Preserving the Record for Appeal § 15.4.10 The Charge Conference § 15.4.11 Closing Argument (a) Presentation of the Argument Do Not Argue Alternate Theories of Defense Persuasive Tools Communicate with the Jury; Do Not Talk at Them (b) Objections to the Prosecutor’s Closing Argument § 15.4.12 Jury Instructions § 15.4.13 Jurors and the Trial (a) Jeopardy (b) Sequestration (c) Note Taking by Jurors (d) Jurors as Examiners of Witnesses § 15.4.14 Deliberations (a) Exhibits and Documents (b) Alternate Jurors (c) Written Copy of Jury Instructions (d) Read Backs (e) Jury Questions (f) Deadlocked Jury (g) Waiver of Full Jury (h) Discharge of Sitting Juror § 15.4.15 Verdict (a) Unanimity (b) “Return” and “Recording” the Verdict (c) Polling the Jurors § 15.5 CONCLUSION CHECKLIST 15.1—Step-by-Step Checklist: Prepare to Be an Effective Advocate for Your Defendant-Client at Trial Chapter 16 Mediation and Arbitration § 16.1 MEDIATION AS A WAY OF RESOLVING DISPUTES § 16.1.1 Basic Features of Mediation § 16.1.2 Contrast with Direct Negotiations § 16.1.3 Contrast with Lobby Conferences § 16.2 REASONS TO MEDIATE § 16.2.1 Remove Uncertainty § 16.2.2 Benefit Both Sides § 16.2.3 Reduce Expense § 16.2.4 Resolve Case More Quickly § 16.2.5 Satisfy Judges’ Concerns Regarding Settlement Efforts § 16.2.6 Sanctions for Failure to Mediate in Good Faith § 16.2.7 Promote a Successful Resolution § 16.3 CASES APPROPRIATE FOR MEDIATION § 16.4 TIMING § 16.4.1 Prior to Filing the Complaint Mediation as Condition Precedent to Litigation § 16.4.3 During the Course of Litigation § 16.4.4 At Key Moments in the Litigation § 16.5 AGREEMENT TO GO TO MEDIATION § 16.6 SELECTION OF A MEDIATOR § 16.7 PREPARATION FOR MEDIATION § 16.8 MEDIATION BRIEFS § 16.9 PERSONS PRESENT AT THE MEDIATION § 16.10 CONFIDENTIALITY § 16.11 THE JOINT SESSION § 16.12 BEGINNING THE CAUCUS PROCESS § 16.13 THE PROGRESS OF NEGOTIATIONS § 16.14 BREAKING IMPASSE AND REACHING AN AGREEMENT § 16.15 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS OR FOLLOW-UP § 16.16 ARBITRATION § 16.16.1 Arbitration Compared to Mediation or Trial § 16.16.2 Statutes Applicable to Arbitration § 16.16.3 Arbitration Rules § 16.16.4 What Cases Should or Should Not Be Arbitrated? § 16.16.5 Remedies § 16.16.6 Interest § 16.16.7 Administration of the Arbitration § 16.16.8 Selection of Arbitrator § 16.16.9 Disclosures § 16.16.10 Agreements to Arbitrate § 16.16.11 Nonsignatories § 16.16.12 Employment Discrimination § 16.16.13 Class Actions § 16.16.14 Enforcement of Duty to Arbitrate Waiver of Right to Arbitrate Application to Compel Arbitration § 16.16.17 Claims, Answers, and Counterclaims § 16.16.18 Preliminary Conferences § 16.16.19 Discovery § 16.16.20 Dispositive Motions § 16.16.21 Conduct of the Arbitration Hearing § 16.16.22 Compelling Attendance of Witnesses § 16.16.23 Exclusion of Evidence § 16.16.24 Remedies Under an Arbitration Award § 16.16.25 Enforcement, Modification, or Vacation of Arbitration Award § 16.16.26 Arbitration Award Based on Error of Law Table of Cases A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z Table of Statutes Rules and References FEDERAL MASSACHUSETTS ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES Index A B C D E F H I J L M N O P R S T V W