The Art of Cross-Examination: With the Cross-Examinations of Important Witnesses in Some Celebrated Cases

by Francis Lewis Wellman

Book Overview

As the modern methods of practicing the law profession have had a tendency to discourage court oratory and the development of orators, The Art of Cross Examination seeks to bring back the great... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0880290994
• ISBN13: 9780880290999
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble
• Length: 479 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Still Relevant After 100 Years

Francis Wellman first published this book in 1903 and despite the passage of over 100 years, the book is nearly as relevant then as it is today. There is much to value in this work but, perhaps, the most important contribution is Wellman's recognition that there are different types of lawyers who employ different styles of cross-examination. Wellman, therefore, provides the reader with several examples of lawyers employing different styles of cross-examintion. In terms of learning the craft of cross-examination, the most valuable chapters deal with the examination of experts and in the examination of the "fallacies of testimony" and the "Silent Cross-Examination." In reading Wellman's work, the reader must be cognizant of the fact that the book was written in 1903 and, as a result, realize that some of the "practical" advice may be outdated. Even so, there still may be value in that advice. In the end, the same thing was true in 1903 as it is today - the practice of law is really the art of borrowing and Wellman has provided much for the practitioner to borrow.

A must

to simplify things, It's the Sun Tsu's "Art of war" for a lawyer. It was written some 100 years ago, but hey: weren't those the days of the great, classic cross-examinations? besides, the chapter about the cross of experts is especially relevant in our days.the book helped me understand myself, the wittness and the judge during the trial, and complicated as well as simplified things.The examples really help you through the tactics described.The best I've read, and the cheapest I've bought. Imagine.

The Classic Commentary on Cross Examination

Back in 1973, when I rose to my hind legs to cross examine my first adverse witness in my first jury trial, I had but one thought on my mind: "What do I do now?" The answer came to me from a little paperback book I had picked up on a whim while I was in law school. Remembering a few of the teachings in that book, I struggled through that cross and several more en route to a favorable jury verdict.The first two years of my law practice, I read "The Art of Cross Examination" once every three months, and I profited from each re-reading. Wellman gives a wealth of basic practical advice, gives it in an engaging fashion, and illustrates it with entertaining stories. When you read it, you may find some gender references which we "enlightened" moderns would describe as "politically incorrect," but try to remember that the book was written a century ago. Despite the fact that it's beginning to show its age a little, this book is THE classic commentary on cross examination. Nowhere else can you find such good instruction at such a low price. END

A Masterpiece

Twenty years ago as a young lawyer I tried a case with one of my firms partners, who was in his eighties. He let me try the case, and we received a rather just decision from the court. I was quite proud of myself, only to learn from my boss that the senior partner felt that my style of cross examination was ineffective at best.I determined to learn all I could about effective cross examination. The first book I read was also the last- Wellman's The Art of Cross Examination. Although the book was writen around the turn of the century, it contains a treasure trove of illustraions about different kinds of cross examination. How to Cross Examine the Hostile Witness, the Lying Witness , the scientific Witness, the Truthful Witness (the hardest job of all)The book is a true today as it was 95 years ago.

Tremendously entertaining and enlightening.

This is a book of a famous attorney who lived from the late 1800's to the l940's. His book is a description of his many court appearances and the value of cross-examination to discover truth and fraud. It is a must read for anyone who anticipates being on the witness stand, especially expert witinesses. It has great humor, but more importantly, describes the time proven methods of cross examination to bring out the truth. It demystifies the process and gives a human side to a mostly misunderstood and mistrusted activity. It also shows why cross examination is so very important. As a physician, I have been on witness hot-seats many times in cases brought against others. I would have given most any thing for the knowledge in this book. A must-read for anybody anticipating ever being a witness! --John Ellis, M