"LOOK GOOD CROSS" By: Terence F. MacCarthy © May 2006 "The age-old tool for ferreting out truth in the wial process is the right to cross- examination. Fortwo centuries past, the policy of the Anglo-American system of evidence hhas been to regard the necessity of testing by eross-examination as a vital feature of the Jaw." United States v. Dikapi, 651 F.2d 140, 149-151 (2d Cir. 1981). "[Cross-examination is] the greatest legal engine ever invented for the discovery of truth.” 5. Wigmore, Evidence §1367 (J. Chadbourn rev. 1974), "Cross-examination is the principle means by which the beievabilty ofa witness and the truth of his or her testimony are tested." Davis v. Alaska, 415 U.S. 308, 316 (1974) 1Scope of Cross-Examination Rule 611. Mode and Order of Interrogation and Presentation () Scope of cross-examination. Cross-caamination should be linived Uke subject matter of the direct examination and matters affecting the credibility of the witness. The court may, in the exercise of discretion, permit inquiry into additional matters as if on direct examination. “(Trial judges retain wide latitude insofar as the Confrontation Clause is concerned to impose reasonable limits on such cross-examination based on concerns about, among oer things, harassment, prejudice, confusion of the issues, the witness safety, or interrogation that is repetitive or only marginally relevant.” Delaware v, Van Atsdall, 475 U.S. 673, (619, 106 S. Ct. 1431, 1435 (1986). “Cross examination shouldbe limited tothe subject mater ofthe direct examination and ‘matters affecting credibility of the witnesses (limiting the original draft which allowed crost-eamination”."on any mater relevant to any issue inthe case.” H.R-Rep. No, 63- 680, 93rd Cong First Sess. 12-1973. But see United States v, Wolfson, $73 F.24 216, 222 (S* Cir. 1978) (emphasizing that the scope of direct is measured by the “subject tater” ofthe direct examination rather than by specific exhibits that may have been introduced a that time), United Sates v. Vasquez 858 F-24 1387, 1392 (" Ci. 1988) (permiting eros of defendant regarding the content of his apartment when the defendant simply testified on direct that he half his apartment ta certain hou prio to hs aret, and ving that theta court may permit ross as to “all mates reasonably elated” to the issue the defendant put in dispute during his testimony on dec) Federal Rule of Evidence 611(b) governs the scope of cross-examination, While the rule specifically limits cross-examination to the subject mater of direct examination and to matters affecting wimess credibility, it also provides: "[Jhe court may, inthe exercise of discretion, permit inquiry into additional maters as if on direct examination.” United ‘States v. Harbour, 809 F.2d 384 (Th Cir. 1987); United States v. Alverez, 833 F.2d 724 (Qh Cir. 1987); United States v. Carter, 910 F.2d 1524 (7th Cir. 1990); United States v. Moore, 936 F.2d 1508 (7th Cir. 1991),Il. The First Cross- Examination: Susanna and the Elders Ethical Considerations "In appearing in his professional capacity before a tribunal, a lawyer shall ‘not...alsk any question that he or she has no reasonable basis to believe is relevant to the case and that is intended to degrade @ witness or other person.” ABA Disciplinary Rule 7-106(C)Q). "In representing a client, a lawyer shall not use means that have no substantial purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burdena third person..." ABA Model Rule 4.4 "The prosecutor should not use the power of cross-examination to discredit or undermine a witness if the prosecutor knows the witness is testifying truthfully." ‘ABA Prosecution Function Standard 3-5.7(b). is unprofessional conduct for a prosecutor to ask a question which implies the ‘existence of a factual predicate for which a good faith belief is lacking." ABA Prosecution Function Standard 3-5.7(d) “A lawyer's belief or knowledge that the witness is telling the truth does not preclude cross-examination but should, if possible, be taken into consideration by ‘counsel in conducting the cross-examination. Defease Function Standard 4-7.6(0). 1 is unprofessional conduct for a lawyer to ask a question which implies the existence of a factual predicate for which a good faith belie is lacking. Defense Function Standard 4-7.6(0), nited States v. Wade, 388 U.S. 218, 257-58, 87 S. Ct. 1962, 1948 (1967) (White, J., dissenting in part and concurring in part.) [dhe defendant] "Phillips, complains that the goverament was not eross-examining [Bradach to establish the truth and was therefore ating improperly. The point of impeachment, however, is not to vouch for the validity of the impeachment material, rather, itis 10 suggest thatthe witness nay be mistaken or inconsistent in his testimony and therefore is not a credible witness." See also: United States ¥. Philips, 914 F.2d 835, 839 (7th Cir. 1990) aV. The Bad, The Ugly and The Good A. The Bad: cross-examination is the most difficult trial skill. 1. The Witness -- There to hurt, not help. 2. Anticipation Level, or The Perry Mason Syndrome. 3. State of the Art of Cross-Examination a. The Bible: The Art of Cross-Examination_ by Francis L. Wellman, Collier Boots b. The New Testament: The Ten Commandments of Cross- Examination by Professor Irving Younger ©. Taught a an art B. The Ugly: Most cross-examinations today involve three stages. 1, Traditional Introductory Incantations 2. Begging 3. Demolish, Destroy & Devastate 4C. The Good: Cross is a science, not an art, and therefore it can be taught and learned as a system, VI. Cross-Examination should be about: Looking Good - Telling a Story - Using Short Statements VII. The Purpose of Lecture on Cross: 1) Share with and teach the “Look Good" system and style of cross- examination. 2) Change overview, perception of cross from dialogue to monologue concept, 3) Use cross to tell story to the jury: to paint pictures, create images and persuade,VII. The "Look Good" Cross System of Cross-Examination A. Objecti “Look Good" Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow: cross-examination of Dr. Kumagi (Painless) (Attachment "A") with permission of author. Helpfal Information Confrontation "(T]he principal purpose of cross-examination is] to challenge whether the: declarant was sincerely telling what he believed to be the truth, whether the Aeclaraat accurately perceived and remembered the matter he related, and Whethe: the declarant’s intended meaning is adequately conveyed by the language he employed.” Ohio v, Roberis, 448 U.S. 56, 71, 100 S. Ct. 2531, 2541 (1980), "Crossexamination often depends for its effectiveness on the ability of counsel to punch holes ina witness, testimony at just the right time, in just the right way." Berry v. Leake, 109 S. Ct. 594, 601, 488 U.S, 272 (1988). Impeachment [3] Truthfulness (FRE 608) 6[4] Convietions (FRE 609) ro the Witness Could Do (7) Contradictions (8) Writing Used to Refresh Memory (FRE 612) (9) Admissions (FRE 801(4)(2)) [10] Bad Acts (FRE 404(b)) [11] Habit (FRE $06) EXPERTS ONLY [12] Leamed Treatises (FRE 803(18)) [13] Expert's Qualifications (FRE 702) * Using methods I through 11 above, you may impeach the credibility of 14 hearsay declarant under FRE 806, ‘Style/Manner/Housekeeping Rules 1. Lectern “It your presentation will be delivered from a lectern, you should ‘experiment. If appropriate, move tothe side or front ofthe lectern to get nearer the audience. Many professional speakers do this. Itis engaging, and audiences feel closer to the speaker without barriers." Mandel, pss, 2. Notes3. Do not hold a writing instrument ~ use a Blackboard Holding a pen or pencil in your hand is a communication distraction, “{Clross-examination in technical area frequently requires the availability ‘of material or a least effective demonstrative aids." Thermo King ‘Corporation v. White's Trucking Service, Inc,, 292 F.2d €68, 676 (Sth cir. 1961), No permission or foundation is needed for a lawyer to write on a blackboard as the examination proceeds, so long as what is writen is drawn from either a proper question or a proper answer.” Siemer, Tangible ‘Evidence: How to Use Exhibits at Trial (2d ed. 1989). ‘C. Primacy/Recency 1, "It would be fair to say. . ." or "We can agree. . ." or “Itis a fact...". 2. ‘Thematic or Impeachment 3. Use your head 'TFM Trial Advocacy Rule #37: "Learn to use your head, [No, not by thinking but by simply moving it up and down.” 4. One question too many commandmenteport Card A. Gold Star = Yes B. Silve = "No" (intended) C. Bronze Star = "I don't know - don't remember" D. ecial Awarc 1, A "Howard" (see Listen) 2. Non-Plausible Response E. ANYTHING ELSE = A BLACK MARK! (See how to handle the intractable witness.) 1) See "Cross-Examination: Why Johnny Can't Lead and Some Other Observations," Dean Deryl D. Dantzler, National Criminal Defense College.2) See: William M. O'Barr, Linguistic Evidence, Language, Power and Strategy in the Courtroom, (1982), (reporting the work of the Law and Language Project at Duke University, which studied various aspects of communication and linguistic courtroom behaviors and their effects on jurors). SHORT + STATEMEN A. Short = CONTROL 1. Eliminate prefixes 2. Eliminate suffixes 3. ‘Transitions "Good transitions are useful to the audience because they make clear the thought paterns of the speaker and the relation of evidence to the conclusion itsupports. Inthe form of internal summaties, good transitions aid memory, recall, and understanding of the speaker's material." Minnick, Public Speaking, p.84. ‘The traditional state af these tansiton: "Calling you: sttention to March 5, 1992, at ar about 2:30 in the afternoon, what, # anything, unusual occurred?” [TRM Trial Advocacy Rule #11: “Speak in a {courtroom the way you would. ‘Try 2 "look good” transition: "I want to ask you 2 few questions about What you saw when you left Murphy's Bar at 3 in the afternoon, You understand?” 20Exceptions (when you can use longer statements) a, Looping: Incorporate the good and important into the next statement. Themes, trilogies, enneads, repetition Miscirection "IF [a lawyer] can confuse a witness, even a truthful one, or make him appear a disadvantage, unsure or indecisive, that willbe his normal course. .. Undoubtedly there are some limits which defense counsel must observe but more often than not, defense counsel will cross-examine a prosecution witness, and impeach him ihe can, even if he chinks the witness teling the rth, jos ashe will tempt to destroy a witness who he thinks is lying.” United Sates v_ Wade, 388 U.S. 218, 257-58, 87 5, Ct. 1962, 1948 (1967(White, 1, dissenting in part and concurring in par) United States v. Phillip, 914 F.2d 835, 839 (7th Ci. 1990) Sce IV Ethical Considerations B. Statements 1 ‘You May Cross-Examine in Three Ways: a, b. Questions - simple or open-ended, * Problems: 1) m0 control 2) Invite witness to participate ~ be storyteller 3) Narrative enhances credibility Traditional leading questions: * Problems: aa1) precludes “one word cross” 2) “legal speak” 3) No way to ella story Statements © Advantages 1. control 2. no “legal speak” 3. helps storytelling 2. Objections as to Form - Few & Seldom Successful a. Opponent needs a proper legal reason b. Judges like system ¢. The law, no less commonsense, supports the system * — Ohio v. Roberts, 448 U.S. 56, 70-71, 100 S. Ct. 2531, 2541-42 (1980) ("counsel's questioning clearly partook of cross-examination as a matter of form”)' Yes, we are aware of Crawford v. Washington, 541 U.S. 36 (2004), but Crawford does not speak to the issue of what is proper cross-examination, + HLL. v. Matheson, 450 U.S. 398, 401-02, 101 S. Ct. 1164, 1167, (1981). ‘The witness gave ". .. monosyllabic a2b. Responding to the Objection: * "As your honor well knows..." + TRM Trial Advocacy Rule #37 - use your head + Rian” Details ‘Organization Terms a. No legalese. United States v, Marshall, 488 F.2d 1169, 1171 n. 1 (at Cir. 1973) b. Power language: Not hedges, fillers, deferential expressions or intensifiers. Duke Univ. Law and Language Project c. Your terms "The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter ‘tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lighining." Mark Twain inThe Art of Authorship, pp. 87-88, by George Bainton (1890). Tell your story, and paint your pictures by using: aa. Statements of the witness b. — Verisimilitude = Truth c. Plausibility = Reasonable - Credible ‘C. Control 1 Fragmented/Narrative a. Pavlov's Dog Db. Pre-Closing ¢, Dominate the Witness without Appearing Domineering Pace Listen ("Howant's") Impeack, Intractable Witness a, What is done (conventional wisdom!) but should not be done. i, "All my questions can be answered yes or no" a"Just answer yes or no* Interrupt the witness Your honor, would you instruct the witness to answer yes ‘or m0" “Lmove to strike as non-responsive" hough itis true thatthe opponent may not object to a non-responsive answer on that ground alone, he may move to strike such an answer if itis objectionable for any other reason." Elvriad y. Co,, 298 F.2d 356, 359 (6th Cir. 1961). "May have a cautionary instruction?" "The naive assumption that prejudicial effects can be overcome by insructions 1 the jury..., all practicing lawyers know fo be unmitigated fiction.” Krulewiteh v. United States, 336 U.S. 440, 453, 69 S. Ct. 716, 723 (1949) (Jackson, concurring). What you may do: 'm sorry; Heontsed you. Let me try agin,” ~ Juanita Brooks "Can you try to answer my. question?” with question asked ‘What you should do: "Tweak the Puppy”: and answered on blackboard ~ Jerry Spence "You came to tell the truth If the simple truth i yes, can’t you just tellus yes?" - Garvin Isaacs "What did I ask you?" ~ Eugene Pincham 15Repeat, word for word, the same statement. 1) slowly 2) rising inflection 3) use of name Exceptions: i, you were wrong. (Deuils) perfect one word cross ji. add name the third time WIN ALL SI IES ‘Tum your back 7. Safe Havens USING THIS SYSTEM YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO SIMPLY TELL YOUR STORY TO THE JURY. a6(OWLEDGEMENT SCOTT TUROW Scott Turow, besides being an outstanding author, was and is an experienced trial lawyer. He was kind in allowing me to reproduce this material from his best selling book, "Presumed Innocent." ayATTACHMENT "A" Presumed Innocent SUMMER / 333 “Doctor Kumagai,” Stern begins, “you have tsied here as am expert, is that right?” "Yes, st.” “You have told ws about your papers and your depres, have you noe”2H “poroops > wang sine « Spuauy poo Kur Zayy, zing, Ur-¥ed ue doo Kong 24apL spe wo se 34 ita) ML 0 yu woud 4juo 9g ye pu Asdoyne ue pong Pp '208 no 0} 0K pot wouas wl 1 nok pip Souanegun ue ur yauuE5 yy ouone SenoeKoHd Aindap > oe sea ounos awewytu yen psinboe 0, SEE / wawwos 1 4 UF pone YES of awou © sqe sequig URBy 1 INK oy SuOKUE OL, 3 OL eg 81060 pons 89 Apogee, «son pup 0p mos 20 4 you fie en nO ow "Su 2) 10 py, POL 30 > pus, om Ppa youe pray ey Bun sy eying spe euuny {SEU Le 8 NOE ck 99824296 00m Hao WS SY spUR see sf wy UNDO a OUD! 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