MacCarthy on Cross-Examination

Cross-Examination is one of those things that many lawyers regard as an art. Exactly what to ask a witness or how to handle a difficult witness on the stand? This book is a great guide for any attorney who wants to sharpen his or her cross-examination skills.I also own a copy of "Cross-examination: Science and Techniques by Larry S. Pozner and Roger J. Dodd" I paid a few hundred dollars for it. I have yet to finish reading it. This book by MacCarthy gives you all the information you need, in less time, and for less money. I would recommend this book first, before the Pozner and Dodd book.

This is the best practical book on cross examination I have read. I have read and enjoyed Wellman's Art of Cross Examination, but it has little practical application. This system is exciting and I will use it in the next two weeks. I have been practicing criminal law for 40 years.

Perhaps the book and method were once revolutionary. I have my doubts. The idea that a strong cross examination tells a story through short affirmative statements just doesn’t seem revolutionary to me. I would be less annoyed if the book were not so outrageously expensive. I do not recommend this book. There are plenty of affordable books that discuss cross examination equally well or better, cost nowhere near this much, and dispense with puppy piddling references.

I've been a lawyer for over 30 years, and done the usual circuit - NITA, a short Jerry Spence course, the excellent Texas Crim. Defense Lawyers trial college, and lots of other courses. I learned from all of them. I was fortunate to stumble across Mr. MacCarthy's book about a year ago. I had my first opportunity to apply its lessons in a criminal trial this week. Instead of the usual approach to cross, trying to pin the witnesses down, catch them in lies and embarrass them, have a running battle and so on, I used MacCarthy's method. First, I had a coherent story and theme that I hammered from voir dire through closing. Then, all my questions related to that theme. Third, I didn't really ask questions - I made statements, that generally elicited a one word answer, usually "yes." One witness, who claimed my client threatened him with a large knife, was an ex-con, who objected to how I was not asking questions but making statements. So, I just made the same statement and added one word, "right?" He got so mad that he had a melt down, then tried to stare me down with the evil eye, which in closing I told the jury he learned in prison.Long story short - my client was looking at a potential life sentence. After the jury had been out over 3 hours, the DA offered a plea deal - 3 yrs deferred adjudication. I believe using MacCarthy's techniques achieved one of his primary goals - for the lawyer to "look good." And the witnesses to "look bad."The only reason I'm not giving this book five stars is that I hate the metaphor that the author uses of "punishing the puppy," hitting it on the nose with a rolled up newspaper. I'm a dog lover and I cringe every time I read that. I hope in future editions he'll come up with another metaphor.

Since 1900, there have been three big names in the field of cross-examination: Francis L. Wellman, Irving Younger, and Terence MacCarthy. I've read what the first two have to offer. MacCarthy is the real deal. Follow his method to control the witness, get the answers you want, and look like a nice guy (or gal) all at the same time.

The best legal advice on cross for a professional attorney I’ve encountered. McCarthy’s system is in fact the technique taught by trainers for national defense colleges!

BUY THIS BOOK IF YOU WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PROPERLY CONDUCT A CROSS-EXAMINATION!(1) MacCarthy's approach to cross-examination is practical and it makes sense!(2) The book is written in a way that explains his method clearly.(3) The end of the book includes multiple transcripts of lawyers using the "MacCarthy" method of cross-examination.What more could you ask for?!

Great book for trial lawyers. Very good educational material for legal practitioners.

For those of you who are looking to buy this buy, you probably already know what the contents is about.To sum it up, it is totally worth reading.

A gem, from a writer with a unique point of view who challenges orthodox ideas about cross . . . And is right!