12 Myths About Trying Criminal Cases

Sometimes lawyers do things in the courtroom because that is the way they have always been done, writes defense attorney Daniel Bertolino. Some techniques have a better chance of succeeding in the courtroom, but nothing works all of the time. Bertolino discusses 12 myths of trial work, including the following: closing statements are more important than opening statements, counsel should never ask “why” on cross-examination, there is only one purpose for cross-examination, and counsel should use the closing argument to persuade the jury.