An advocate persuades / Joan M. Rocklin, Robert B. Rocklin, Christine Coughlin, and Sandy Patrick.
2016
KF8915 .M338 2016 (Map It)
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Details
Author
Title
An advocate persuades / Joan M. Rocklin, Robert B. Rocklin, Christine Coughlin, and Sandy Patrick.
Published
Durham, North Carolina : Carolina Academic Press, [2016]
Call Number
KF8915 .M338 2016
ISBN
9781611631500 (pbk. ; alk. paper)
1611631505 (pbk. ; alk. paper)
1611631505 (pbk. ; alk. paper)
Description
xx, 449 pages : illustrations, forms ; 26 cm
System Control No.
(OCoLC)920683335
Bibliography, etc. Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Record Appears in
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
xvii
Introduction
xix
ch. 1
The Nature of Persuasion
3
I.
Principles of Persuasion
3
A.
Source and Ethos
4
B.
Content and Logos
7
C.
Audience and Pathos
9
II.
Using the Principles Together
13
Practice Points
14
ch. 2
The Ethical, Professional Advocate
15
I.
Why Act Ethically and Professionally?
15
II.
Some Guiding Principles
16
A.
A "Zealous Advocate" Is Not a "Zealot"
17
B.
"It Is What It Is"
18
C.
"Winning" Is a Relative Term
19
III.
Specific Rules an Advocate Should Know
20
Practice Points
22
ch. 3
A Litigation Overview
23
I.
Civil vs. Criminal Litigation
24
II.
Civil Litigation
25
A.
Pre-Trial
25
B.
Trial
27
C.
Post-Trial
29
D.
Appeals
30
III.
Criminal Litigation
31
A.
Pre-Trial
31
B.
Trial
33
C.
Post-Trial
35
1.
Motions
36
2.
Sentencing
36
3.
Entry of judgment
37
D.
Appeals and Other Post-Conviction Remedies
37
ch. 4
Motion Practice
39
I.
A Trial Motion and Its Parts
40
A.
The Motion
40
B.
The Supporting Memorandum of Law
43
C.
Factual Support
47
II.
The Rules That Govern Trial Motions
49
A.
Procedural Rules
49
B.
Local Rules
50
C.
Standing Orders
50
D.
Finding the Rules
51
E.
Following the Rules
53
F.
Unwritten Rules
53
III.
After the Motion Is Drafted
53
A.
Service and Its Proof
54
B.
Filing with the Court
55
C.
The Opposing Party's Response
56
1.
Statement of non-opposition
56
2.
Consent order
57
3.
Memorandum of law in opposition
58
D.
The Moving Party's Reply Memorandum
58
Practice Points
58
ch. 5
Appellate Practice
61
I.
Appellate Briefs
62
II.
The Rules that Govern Appeals
75
III.
The Court and Its Players: Judges, Law Clerks, and Staff Attorneys
75
IV.
The Appellate Process
76
A.
The Decision to Appeal
76
1.
Whether to appeal
77
2.
Which issues to raise on appeal
77
B.
The Notice of Appeal
79
C.
The Record
80
D.
The Briefs
81
E.
Oral Argument
81
F.
The Opinion
82
G.
Petitions for Reconsideration or Rehearing
82
H.
Review in a Discretionary Court
84
I.
Motions in Appellate Courts
85
V.
Fundamental Appellate Concepts
86
A.
Appellate Jurisdiction and Justiciability
86
B.
Preservation of Error and Plain Error
87
C.
Harmless Error
89
D.
Right for the Wrong Reason
89
E.
Standards of Review
90
1.
Rulings on issues of law
91
2.
Factual findings
92
3.
Discretionary rulings
93
4.
Mixed questions of fact and law
94
5.
No articulated standard of review
94
Practice Points
98
ch. 6
Themes for Persuasive Arguments
99
I.
The Purpose of a Theme
99
II.
Developing a Theme
100
A.
Based on Procedural Law
100
B.
Based on Substantive Law and Its Underlying Policy
102
C.
Based on a Social Good or Value
102
D.
Based on Undisputed Law, Facts, or Values
104
III.
When to Develop a Theme
104
Practice Points
107
ch. 7
Organizing Persuasive Arguments
109
Section 7.1
Organizing Claims and Arguments
111
I.
Organizing Multiple Claims
111
A.
Order Your Claims
112
B.
Tell the Reader the Order of Your Claims
112
II.
Organizing Multiple Legal Arguments Within a Single Claim
114
A.
Order the Arguments Within a Claim
114
1.
Elements
114
2.
Steps
114
3.
Factors
115
B.
Use a Roadmap Section to Tell the Reader the Order of Your Arguments
116
1.
Conclusion
116
2.
Governing rule
118
3.
Disposing of uncontested elements or factors
119
4.
Mapping the remaining arguments
121
5.
Final conclusion
123
III.
Introducing Sub-Arguments
123
IV.
Organizing a Single Legal Argument
124
Practice Points
125
Section 7.2
Structuring Analogical Arguments
127
Practice Points
130
Section 7.3
Structuring Rule-Based Arguments
131
I.
A Simple Rule-Based Argument
131
II.
Statutory Construction Arguments
133
III.
Policy Arguments
142
IV.
Syllogisms
144
Practice Points
146
Section 7.4
Using Rule-Based and Analogical Arguments Together
147
Practice Points
149
Section 7.5
Structuring Factor Analyses
151
I.
Factors Analyzed as a Single Legal Argument
151
II.
Factors Analyzed in Multiple, Distinct Legal Arguments
154
III.
Choosing an Organizational Structure for a Factor Analysis
159
Practice Points
160
ch. 8
Developing Persuasive Arguments
161
I.
Begin with Your Conclusion
162
II.
Explain the Law Persuasively
162
A.
Rules
163
1.
Explain existing rules from your client's perspective
163
2.
Develop rules that advance your client's argument
166
3.
Acknowledge unfavorable rules in a favorable way
172
B.
Case Illustrations
174
1.
Highlight helpful facts
174
2.
Create hooks for your case illustrations
177
3.
Acknowledge unfavorable cases in a favorable way
179
III.
Apply Your Persuasive Explanation of the Law to the Facts
179
A.
Developing Your Application
179
B.
Responding to Your Opponent's Analysis
182
IV.
End with a Final Conclusion
184
Practice Points
185
ch. 9
Refining Persuasive Arguments
187
I.
Core Concepts
188
A.
Assert Your Point. Then, Provide Details
188
B.
Use Location to Your Advantage
189
C.
Be Explicit
190
II.
Persuasion Through Point Headings
191
A.
Create Assertive Point Headings
191
B.
Coordinate Your Point Headings
192
C.
Use Short Point Headings
193
D.
Divide the Text into Readable Chunks
193
E.
Use a Professional, Easy-to-Read Format
194
III.
Paragraph-Level Persuasion
196
A.
The Thesis Sentence
196
B.
The Middle of the Paragraph
198
C.
Final Sentences
199
D.
Coherence Throughout
199
IV.
Sentence-Level Persuasion
203
A.
Beginning, Middle, and End
203
B.
Subjects and Verbs
203
1.
Place the subject and verb close together and at the beginning of the main clause
203
2.
Prefer the active voice
204
3.
Prefer evocative verbs
206
4.
Avoid "it is" and "there are"
206
5.
Use a noun instead of "it"
206
C.
Dependent Clauses
206
D.
Short Sentences
207
V.
Persuasion through Quotations
208
A.
Quote When Specific Words Matter
208
B.
Quote for Emphasis
209
C.
Avoid Block Quotes, but If You Must Use Them, Assert Your Point First
210
VI.
Persuasion through Citations
211
A.
Build Credibility Through Citations
211
B.
Emphasize the Weight of Authority
212
C.
Show a Trend Through Citations
213
D.
Use Explanatory Parentheticals Effectively
214
Practice Points
216
ch. 10
Constructing Motions and Supporting Memoranda of Law
217
I.
Your Audience: The Trial Judge
218
II.
The Motion
218
A.
Caption
221
B.
Statement of the Relief Requested
221
C.
Legal Grounds for the Relief Requested
221
D.
Signature
222
III.
The Memorandum of Law
222
A.
Caption
222
B.
Introduction
223
C.
Statement of Facts
225
D.
Argument
225
E.
Conclusion
226
F.
Signature
226
Practice Points
227
ch. 11
Constructing Appellate Briefs
229
I.
Appellant's Brief
230
A.
Cover
231
B.
Table of Contents
231
C.
Table of Authorities
235
D.
Statement of Jurisdiction
238
E.
Issue (or Question) Presented
238
1.
The components of an effective issue presented
239
2.
One or more sentences?
241
3.
Incorporating the standard of review
241
F.
Statement of the Case
242
G.
Summary of the Argument
243
H.
Argument
244
I.
Conclusion and Relief Sought
247
II.
Respondent's Brief
248
III.
Appellant's Reply Brief
249
Practice Points
250
ch. 12
Statements of Fact and of the Case
251
I.
Statements of Fact vs. Statements of the Case
252
II.
Present the Conflict and Your Client
253
A.
Frame the Conflict
253
B.
Cast the Characters
254
III.
Decide Which Facts to Include
255
A.
Include All Legally Significant Facts
256
B.
Include Enough Background Facts to Provide Context
256
C.
Include Emotional Facts Selectively
257
D.
Include Procedural Facts
259
E.
Weed Out Irrelevant Facts
261
IV.
Organize Your Statement of Facts
263
A.
Create an Opening Paragraph that Provides Context and Draws the Reader In
263
B.
Choose a Logical Organization
265
C.
Use Point Headings to Guide Your Reader
267
D.
Close Your Statement of Facts
268
V.
Create a Persuasive Statement of Facts
268
A.
State Facts Accurately
269
B.
Maintain a Reasonable Tone
269
C.
Use Strong Thesis Sentences When Appropriate
269
D.
Highlight Good Facts and Minimize Unfavorable Facts
271
1.
Use location to your advantage
271
2.
Give more airtime to favorable facts
273
3.
Pair unfavorable facts with favorable facts
274
E.
Choose Your Words Carefully
275
1.
Choose vivid detail
275
2.
Choose strong verbs
276
F.
Provide Clear, Accurate Citations to the Record
277
G.
Let the Facts Determine the Length
278
H.
Draft and Re-Draft
278
Practice Points
279
ch. 13
Editing and Polishing for Persuasion
281
I.
Check Your Procedural and Local Rules
283
II.
Your Argument
284
A.
Edit for Focus
284
1.
Review your thesis sentences
284
2.
Review your point headings
287
3.
Integrate your theme
287
B.
Edit for Emphasis
288
1.
Review your explanations of the law
288
2.
Compare your explanation of the law to your application
288
3.
Address your weaknesses
289
C.
Edit for Flow
291
1.
Provide roadmaps
291
2.
Smooth transitions
292
D.
Polish for Clarity
293
1.
Bring subject and verb close together and toward the front of the sentence
293
2.
Minimize passive voice
294
3.
Minimize nominalizations
295
4.
Look for and revise unwieldy sentences
296
E.
Polish for Credibility
297
1.
Check your procedural and local rules (again)
298
2.
Proofread
298
3.
Check citations
299
4.
Check the format
300
III.
Statements of Fact (or of the Case)
301
IV.
If You Are Drafting a Motion and Supporting Memorandum of Law
302
A.
Edit Your Introduction
302
B.
Edit All Remaining Sections
303
C.
Polish Your Introduction and All Remaining Sections
303
V.
If You Are Drafting an Appellate Brief
303
A.
Edit Your Issue Presented
304
B.
Edit the Summary of Your Argument
305
C.
Edit All Remaining Sections
305
D.
Polish the Question Presented, Summary of the Argument, and All Remaining Sections
306
VI.
Customize Your Editing Checklist
306
ch. 14
Oral Argument
311
Section 14.1
The Purpose of Oral Argument
313
I.
The Court's Goals
314
A.
Clarify Factual and Legal Points
314
B.
Determine the Practical Impact of a Ruling
314
II.
The Advocate's Goals
315
A.
Ensure that the Court Understands Your Argument
316
B.
Correct Misapprehensions and Address Concerns
316
C.
Respond to Claims That You Did Not Address in the Briefs
316
Practice Points
317
Section 14.2
Preparing for Oral Argument
319
I.
Create a Strong Foundation
321
A.
Review the Briefs
321
B.
Know the Record
322
C.
Know the Law
322
D.
Review the Court's Rules
323
II.
Prepare Your Argument
323
A.
Determine "Where the Game Will Be Played"
324
B.
Determine the Strengths and Weaknesses of Your Position and Your Opponent's Position
324
C.
Know the Boundaries of Your Position
325
D.
Anticipate Every Question the Court Will Ask and Prepare Responses
326
E.
Involve Others
327
III.
Prepare Written Materials
327
A.
Script Your Opening
327
1.
Movant's or appellant's opening
328
2.
Respondent's opening
330
B.
Create Lectern Materials
331
IV.
"Where Do I Park?" and Other Practical Matters
336
A.
Visit the Courtroom
336
B.
Investigate Court Protocol
336
C.
Choose Your Attire
337
Section 14.3
Presenting Oral Argument
339
I.
Your Frame of Mind
340
II.
Inhabit Your Space Confidently
340
III.
Leave Your Baggage Behind
341
IV.
Make Eye Contact
341
V.
Speak Slowly and Simply
342
VI.
Have a Conversation
342
VII.
Use Humor with Care
342
VIII.
Assert Conclusions, Not Your Beliefs
343
IX.
Deliver Your Opening
343
X.
Respond to Questions from the Bench
344
A.
Stop Talking and Listen
344
B.
Pause
345
C.
Ask for Clarification, If Necessary
345
D.
Respond with "Yes" or "No"; Then Explain Your Answer
345
E.
Never Praise a Judge's Question
346
F.
Always Answer a Question When It Is Asked
346
G.
Embrace Hypotheticals
347
H.
Recognize Friendly Questions
348
I.
Admit When You Do Not Know the Answer
348
J.
Do Not Ask Any Other Questions
349
K.
Recognize the Logical End of an Answer
349
L.
After Answering the Court's Question, Return to Your Planned Argument or Adjust as Necessary
349
XI.
Conclude
350
XII.
Listen When the Court Questions Opposing Counsel
351
XIII.
Rebuttal
352
Practice Points
354
Section 14.4
Trial Courts vs. Appellate Courts
355
I.
Arguing Before Trial Courts
355
A.
Jurisdictional Variation
356
B.
Your Audience: One Judge
356
C.
Busy Dockets
357
D.
Shorter Timelines to Oral Arguments
357
E.
Addressing the Court
357
F.
Typical Questions from the Trial Court's Perspective
358
G.
Time Allotted for Oral Argument
358
II.
Arguing Before Appellate Courts
358
A.
Jurisdictional Variation
359
B.
Your Audience: A Panel of Judges
359
C.
Appellate Courts Have More Time to Prepare
360
D.
Longer Timelines to Oral Arguments
360
E.
Addressing the Court
360
F.
Typical Questions from the Appellate Court's Perspective
361
G.
Time Allotted for Oral Argument
363
Practice Points
364
Appendix A
Moot Court Arguments
365
Appendix B
Prakash v. Starr Publishing Corp.
369
I.
Summary of the Arguments
369
II.
Skills and Techniques
370
III.
The Documents
372
A.
Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment
373
B.
Memorandum of Law in Support of Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment
377
C.
Memorandum of Law in Opposition to Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment
387
Appendix C
State v. Lynwood Appellate Briefs
401
I.
Summary of the Arguments
401
II.
Skills and Techniques
403
III.
The Briefs
405
A.
Appellant's Opening Brief
407
B.
Respondent's Answering Brief
425
Index
445