Trial

Yesterday, I volunteered to be a witness in a mock trial at GWU Law School. The experience was extremely valuable for a number of reasons:

1.) Being a consultant, most of the training I receive has one similarity, it is taught from the perspective of a consultant. I learned valuable information watching the trial lawyers exhibit multiple angles and options in an effor to convince a jury, and the importance of pairing mannerisms/gestures with the audio. A lawyer must envoke a sense of humanism with the jury. Similarly, much of my work deals with client presentations/pitches, and 99% involve delivering a PowerPoint presentation, and pitching to the wall. A level of connection with the jury/client is paramount.

2.) My unwavering faith in the American legal system was unsettled. After the trial, the judge, a DOJ lawyer, walked all who cared to stay through additional ways of appealing to a jury and selling a case. The ways were of value, but extremely cliche', to the extent of pandering. I question the balance of a case between a.)presenting the facts b.)connecting the dots between the facts, and making the jury understand (leading the horse to water and making him drink) and c.)compelling the jury. Option A must always carry the most weight, but it seems to be more of a plurality.