Professor Michael Tigar's "The True Rules of Cross-Examination"

On April 21, 2011, Michael Tigar, Washington College of Law, American University Professor Emeritus and, currently, Professor of the Practice of Law at Duke University School of Law, delivered the 2011 Stephen S. Weinstein Distinguished Lecture on April 21, 2011 titled “The True Rules of Cross-Examination.” Professor Tigar provided an alternative viewpoint to the late Judge Irving Younger’s renowned, “Ten Rules of Cross Examination.” For example, Tigar advocates the use of non-leading questions on cross-examination as sometimes more persuasive than leading questions, provided counsel is thoroughly prepared and, as a result, is able to maintain witness control.

Professor Tigar’s presentation included reading from the trial transcripts of some of his high profile cases to support his arguments. Tigar has represented clients, such as The Washington Post, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Scott McClellan, Rep. Ronald Dellums, Mobil Oil, Fernando Chavez, and Terry Lynn Nichols, one of the defendants in the Oklahoma bombing case. He has tried cases before a myriad of courts across the country and argued seven cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Even if you missed attending the presentation, you can watch it through this link. It’s a must see!