Advocacy (Blackstone Bar Manual)

To be a skillful advocate is of primary importance to the legal practitioner. Success as an advocate requires mastery of many skills. This manual identifies the different advocacy skills, which are essential for the junior practitioner and guides the reader through them in a practical and accessible manner. The manual is divided into six sections. The first three sections look at the fundamental qualities and abilities, which any successful advocate needs. These sections will help any beginner to understand what to look for, when observing a trial or other hearing in court. The fourth section of the manual examines the crucial tasks of preparing and making an opening or closing speech. The plan for a closing speech should provide the framework for planning and delivering the examination-in-chief and cross-examination of witnesses. The fifth section deals with witness handling; several chapters explain in detail how to question witnesses, whether called by you or your opponent. Specific questioning techniques are explained and illustrated with examples; reference is also made to the ethical obligations of the advocate. In addition to trials, there is a wide variety of applications and submissions that an advocate might be called on to make to a court or tribunal. The manual concludes with a sixth section, showing the junior practitioner how to prepare for and perform many of these applications, including references to current good practice and procedure. This manual is written by experienced advocates and advocacy trainers. Their guidance on the correct practise of advocacy provides a remarkable insight into the skills, techniques and good practice upon which the performance of any advocate will be judged.