4/2/2020 Five Keys to a Killer Cross-Examination - Online CLE Course | Lawline

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Five Keys to a Killer Cross-Examination

★★★★★ (1k+ reviews)

Produced on March 15, 2018

Taught by
Joey Jackson

COURSE INFORMATION

TIME 90 MINUTES

DIFFICULTY BEGINNER

CATEGORIES CRIMINAL LAW LITIGATION

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Trial is a verbal war where the stakes are high and the consequences are
enormous. Both sides in the battle have strengths and weaknesses in their case,
and at trial the jury have two clear cut choices. The Plainti and the Defendant will
espouse starkly di erent theories and have entirely opposite points of view, and
the key to victory is helping the jury identify with your point of view. A critical part of
this battle, cross examination is about a “search for the truth.” A good cross
examination challenges a witness in every respect concerning facts, memory,
reliability, credibility, and perception. The devil is always in the details, and an
e ective cross will elicit the details that are favorable to your case.

There are basic strategies, requiring the power of persuasion, to get a jury to view,
comprehend, and digest the case in a way that is consistent with your vision: 1)
communicate a consistent theory which convinces all who listen; 2) weave the facts
into a rationale and relatable story; 3) turn your opponent’s witnesses into your
own; 4) exploit inconsistencies and weaknesses in adversarial testimony; and nally,
5) control witnesses and insist that their answers be responsive to your questions -
especially when those answers will harm the the opposing party’s case.

Taught by nationally recognized criminal defense attorney Joey Jackson, this course
is a crucial introduction to cross examination for newer lawyers, and a great
refresher for the skilled trial attorney.

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Learning Objectives:
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I. Build a compelling “Theory of the Case” by branding your central theme and
clearly conveying it to the jury
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II. Tell a story that is logical, relatable, and passionate
III. Turn adversarial witnesses into advocates for your position
IV. Impeach witnesses and exploit the weaknesses in their testimony
V. Control witnesses by setting the tempo, tone, and content of their
responses

CREDIT INFORMATION

This course is pre-approved for credit in .

FACULTY

Joey Jackson
Watford Jackson, PLLC Attorneys and Counselors at Law

Joey Jackson is a nationally-recognized criminal defense attorney who has for nearly
two decades represented individuals and labor unions in state and federal court.
After graduating from Hofstra Law School, Mr. Jackson was appointed Assistant
District Attorney under Robert Morgenthau in Manhattan. Following a successful
career as a Prosecutor where he received the Distinguished Public Service Award,
Mr. Jackson joined the rm of Koehler & Isaacs LLP., where he serves as Senior Trial
Counsel specializing in Criminal Defense and Labor & Employment. Prior to Law
School, he earned his MPA from SUNY Albany's Rockefeller College of Public A airs
and Policy. While earning his Master's Degree, he worked for the N.Y.S. Assembly
Speaker as a Legislative Analyst. He also holds a B.A. from SUNY Brockport, where
he participated in the honors program, directed the student-run Legal Information
Service, served as student body president, and interned with the N.Y.S. Education
Department as well as Congressman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) in Washington, D.C.

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4/2/2020 Five Keys to a Killer Cross-Examination - Online CLE Course | Lawline

In addition to defending clients criminally and representing them in other related

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matters, he is also employed by CNN/HLN as a Legal Analyst.

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