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Recent Articles from Paul Mark Sandler
Miscarriage of justice: The Dreyfus Affair
I am thankful that if Alfred Dreyfus were alive today and confronted with similar charges here in the United States, he would be entitled to due process and a fair trial.
What about the opening statement?
Although often overlooked, the opening statement is vital to courtroom success, with many lawyers and jurists considering it the most important part of the case. The purpose of opening statement […]
The real purpose of direct examination
The real purpose of direct examination is to “argue” the case via questions from counsel and answers from the witness. Trial lawyers asking the questions must be skilled in not […]
Alternatives to get ‘yes’ on cross-examination
The value of effective cross-examination has roots as early as biblical times. In later times, John Henry Wigmore claimed that cross-examination was the greatest legal invention for discovering the truth. […]
Let’s talk appellate practice
Since 1803, when Chief Justice John Marshall of the U.S. Supreme Court decided Marbury v. Madison, which established the doctrine of judicial review, the appellate courts in our system of […]
‘The Bull Moose’ defends a lawsuit
Upon the assassination of William McKinley, 42-year-old Theodore Roosevelt (aka “The Bull Moose”) became our nation’s youngest president in 1901, serving in the office until 1909. He was considered a […]
John Adams’ courage: The Boston Massacre trials
John Adams’ courage in undertaking this most unpopular case provides a solid example of a trial lawyer’s duty to provide representation to all in need.
Trial by jury in the US Supreme Court?
Once upon a time, in 1794, there was a case in the U.S. Supreme Court argued to and decided by a jury. The case was Georgia v. Brailsford, 3 U.S. […]
The character witness in court
Credibility at trial is essential. The outcome of many cases often hinges on whom the judge or jury believes. One way to demonstrate your client’s credibility is to call a […]
Another side of cross-examination
It can be said that the purpose of cross-examination, like all aspects of trial, is to argue the case with adroit leading questions to advance from one point to the […]
One of the finest advocates in history
The arguments of one of the most remarkable advocates in ancient Greece reflect techniques worthy of emulation today.
Mansfield and ending slavery in England
Lord William Mansfield (1705-1793), chief justice of the King’s Bench from 1756 -1776, is considered the most outstanding English jurist of all time. His scholarship and clarity in writing opinions […]
