The third edition of 'Addressing the Jury: Achieving Fair Verdicts in Personal Injury Cases' has been published by Lexis Nexis, providing Canadian lawyers with updated guidance on jury advocacy. This edition builds on the success of previous versions, which both sold out, and remains the only comprehensive Canadian book on the subject.
Renowned civil jury lawyer Roger Oatley and former partner Troy Lehman collaborated again to expand and refine the resource. The authors draw on extensive research and practical courtroom experience to explore jury decision-making psychology, including how jurors' biases can inform persuasive arguments. The book offers a thorough guide to developing trial themes, structuring opening and closing statements, and using demonstrative evidence effectively.
New features in this edition include enhanced examination techniques with expanded guidance on examining and cross-examining witnesses. A significant innovation is the inclusion of exclusive audio chapters featuring Troy Lehman's actual opening and closing statements from a successful jury trial, accompanied by strategic analysis from Roger Oatley. This marks the first time Lexis Nexis has incorporated such audio recordings in a publication.
While the book serves as an indispensable guide for young lawyers preparing for their first jury trial, it remains essential for seasoned advocates who continue to rely on it to refine skills and improve trial outcomes. The resource also provides strategies for countering opposing arguments before they are presented in court.
The book is available for purchase through the Lexis Nexis e-store at https://store.lexisnexis.com/en-ca/products/addressing-the-jury-achieving-fair-verdicts-in-personal-injury-cases-3rd-edition.html. This release matters because it addresses the critical need for effective jury advocacy in personal injury cases, where verdicts significantly impact plaintiffs' lives and legal precedents. The inclusion of actual audio trial recordings represents an innovative educational approach that could transform how legal professionals develop courtroom skills, potentially leading to more fair and effective jury trials across Canada.
