Have you seen this video of an 18-yr-old whose cluelessness and extreme disrespect toward the judge results in a 30-day jail sentence?
Or have you read this piece in the ABA Journal where Lady Gaga, in a profanity-laced tirade, tells the attorney taking her deposition that she’s the Queen of the Universe?
While these are obviously extreme cases, it’s safe to say that many cases can be won or lost based on witness preparation. Two years ago, I gave this presentation on the fine points of witness prep.
I didn’t specifically say “don’t flip off the judge.” But I fortunately am usually working with witnesses who figure that out on their own.