As a defense attorney, it is essential to adequately prepare for a trial to ensure that you are conversant with the nature of the crime. Preparation creates an opportunity to acquire control in the courtroom. It also establishes a connection between the attorneys and the judge, allowing them to demonstrate confidence and sincerity. A prepared lawyer should be in a position to identify all witnesses involved and be aware of potential evidence that may be presented during the proceeding. The constitution is the greatest tool an attorney can use in preparation for a trial. It is a body of established precedents that provides information concerning legal processes and consequences of crimes. Accessing the constitution allows the defense attorney to understand the case at hand comprehensively. Demonstrating familiarity on facts ensures that they have the upper hand, therefore, steering the proceedings. The attorney can also make use of discovery, a legal mechanism used to gather evidence. The purpose of discovery is to provide information that may help exonerate the client. Some of the discovery tools include interrogatories, subpoena, and depositions ( Hart, Blanchard, & Walter, 2006) . Interrogatories involve a set of questions whose answers are responded by the other party under oath. The process provides facts regarding the crime, therefore, allowing the attorney to build on the case effectively. Subpoena, also referred to as a witness summon, is a court order that compels witnesses to produce evidence by penalizing them upon failure (Bronstein & Vincent, 2007) . The evidence may include surveillance videos, documents, or written statements. A deposition refers to the oral testimony of a witness usually reduced to a printed copy for later use in the courtroom. In conclusion, a defense attorney can engage the client in an open and honest communication to acquire personal and criminal history. He or she should verify the client’s state of mind and their relationship with the victim in the case. Attorney-client privilege ensures that the information shared remains confidential.
References
Bronstein, D. A., & Vincent, J. (2007). Law for the Expert Witness . Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Hart, W., Blanchard, R. D., & Walter, J. (2006). Litigation and Trial Practice . Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
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