Contents
List of Figures xv
Series Editor Introduction xvii
Acknowledgments xix
Abbreviations xxi
PART A: THE COMPETENT ADVOCATE 1
Introduction 3
0.1 What Is an Advocate? 4
0.2 What Does Competence Mean? 4
0.3 What Is the SRA Statement of Solicitor Competence? 4
0.4 How Do I Use this Book? 5
1 Managing Your Behaviours: Professionalism and Ethics 7
1.1 Introduction 7
1.2 Professionalism and Ethics 8
1.2.1 SRA Principles 9
1.2.2 Ethics, Professionalism and Judgment 9
1.2.3 Public Trust and Confidence (Principle 2) 10
1.2.4 Honesty (Principle 4) 12
1.2.5 Integrity (Principle 5) 13
1.3 The SRA Statement of Solicitor Competence 16
1.3.1 Maintaining Levels of Competency and
Legal Knowledge 17
1.4 SRA Code of Conduct 17
1.4.1 Conflict between the Principles and the Code 19
1.5 Working within the Limits of Competency and
under Supervision 20
1.5.1 Misconduct 20
1.5.2 Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal 21
1.5.3 The Role of the SRA 22
1.5.4 SRA Enforcement Strategy 22
1.5.5 Sanctions 23
In Summary 24
Key Practice Case 25
Practice Tips 27
Practice Risks 27
Exercise A 27
Exercise B 28
Self-Reflection Checklist 29
References 29
2 Developing Skills of Case Planning and Analysis: Effective
Preparation, Research Skills and Strategy 33
2.1 Introduction 33
2.2 Fact Finding 34
2.2.1 Interview Skills 35
2.2.2 Identify the Client's Goals 35
2.2.3 Know the History of your Case 36
2.2.4 Identify the Issues 38
2.3 Obtaining Additional Documents and Materials 39
2.3.1 Obtaining Expert Evidence 41
2.3.2 Evidence Gathering 43
2.4 Legal Research 46
2.4.1 Researching Cases 47
2.4.2 Research Trail 48
2.4.3 Citing Cases 49
2.5 Researching Legislation 51
2.5.1 Statutory Interpretation 51
2.5.2 The Literal Rule 52
2.5.3 The Golden Rule 53
2.5.4 The Mischief Rule 53
2.5.5 The Purposive Rule 53
2.6 Strategy and Planning 55
2.6.1 Using a Focused Strategy 55
2.6.2 Identify the Elements of the Charge/Claim 56
2.6.3 Identifying Risks 58
2.7 Negotiation Skills 60
2.7.1 Negotiated Settlements 60
2.7.2 Making Offers and Concessions 62
2.8 Progressing the Case 63
2.8.1 The Jurisdiction of the Court 64
2.8.2 Pre-Action Protocols 65
2.8.3 Drafting Witness Statements and Defence Statements 65
2.8.4 Meeting Time Limits 66
2.8.5 Damages and Interest 66
2.8.6 Costs 67
| In Summary | 68 |
| Key Practice Case | 69 |
| Practice Tips | 70 |
| Practice Risks | 71 |
| Exercise A | 71 |
| Exercise B | 72 |
| Self-Reflection Checklist | 73 |
| References | 73 |
Communicating with Others: Effective Communication and
| Written Skills | 77 |
| 3.1 Introduction | 77 |
| 3.2 Effective Writing and Drafting | 78 |
| 3.2.1 Drafting Case Documents ('Statements of Case') | 79 |
| 3.3 Writing Skills | 84 |
| 3.3.1 Letter Writing Skills | 84 |
| 3.3.2 Writing Emails | 87 |
| 3.3.3 Note-Taking for Record Purposes | 88 |
| 3.4 Effective Communication Skills | 89 |
| 3.4.1 Court Communication Etiquette | 89 |
| 3.4.2 Communication Through Appearance | 91 |
| 3.4.3 Communicating with Vulnerable Clients and Witnesses | 91 |
| 3.4.4 Video Conferencing | 91 |
| 3.5 Effective Advocacy | 93 |
| 3.5.1 Know Your Audience | 93 |
| 3.5.1.1 Judge | 94 |
| 3.5.1.2 Client | 94 |
| 3.5.1.3 Witness | 95 |
| 3.5.2 Oral Presentation | 96 |
| 3.5.3 Use of Voice | 96 |
| 3.5.4 Content | 96 |
| 3.5.5 Body Language | 96 |
| 3.5.6 Persuasion | 97 |
| 3.5.7 How to Formulate Legal Arguments | 99 |
| 3.6 Trial Questioning | 101 |
| 3.6.1 Examination-in-Chief | 102 |
| 3.6.2 Cross-Examination | 102 |
| 3.6.3 Re-examination | 103 |
| 3.6.4 Questioning Special Groups | 103 |
| 3.6.4.1 Defendant in Criminal Proceedings | 104 |
| 3.6.4.2 Spouses | 104 |
| 3.6.4.3 Children | 105 |
| 3.6.4.4 Hostile Witnesses | 105 |
| 3.6.4.5 Protected Witnesses | 106 |
| 3.6.5 Challenging a Witness's Credibility | 107 |
| In Summary | 107 |
| Key Practice Case | 109 |
| Practice Tips | 110 |
| Practice Risks | 110 |
| Exercise A | 110 |
| Exercise B | 111 |
| Self-Reflection Checklist | 112 |
| References | 112 |
4 Building Relationships: Working with Others in a
Professional Capacity 115
4.1 Introduction 115
4.2 Treating Clients with Courtesy and Respect 117
4.2.1 Promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 117
4.2.2 Building Trust and Empathy 118
4.2.3 Handling Sensitive Situations 119
4.3 Progressing the Client's Case 119
4.3.1 Vulnerable Clients 120
4.3.2 Disagreements with the Client 123
4.4 Maintaining Effective and Professional Relationships with
the Court 125
| 4.4.1 | Rights of Audience | 125 |
| 4.4.1.1 Rights of Audience in the Lower Courts | 125 | |
| 4.4.1.2 Higher Rights of Audience | 126 | |
| 4.4.2 | Courtroom Etiquette | 127 |
| 4.4.3 | Advocate's Responsibilities to the Court | 128 |
| 4.4.4 | Upholding Undertakings Given to the Court | 128 |
| 4.4.5 | The Overriding Objectives | 129 |
| 4.4.6 | Adhering to Time Limits | 130 |
| 4.4.7 | Privilege and Public Interest Immunity | 133 |
| 4.4.8 | Observing Evidential Rules in Court | 135 |
| 4.4.9 | Respecting the Hierarchy of the Courts and their Precedents | 135 |
| 4.4.10 | The Courts' Jurisdiction | 136 |
| 4.4.11 | The Role of the Jury | 138 |
4.5 Maintaining Effective and Professional Relationships with
Witnesses 140
4.5.1 Competent and Compellable Witnesses 140
4.5.2 Vulnerable Witnesses 142
4.5.3 Special Measures 144
4.5.3.1 Vulnerable Witnesses 144
4.5.3.2 A Witness in Fear 145
4.6 Maintaining Effective and Professional Relationships
with Experts 145
4.6.1 The Expert's Duty 146
4.6.2 The Expert's Written Report 146
4.7 Maintaining Effective and Professional Relationships with
Other Legal Professionals, Litigants-in-Person and McKenzie Friends 147
In Summary 150
Key Practice Case 152
Practice Tips 154
Practice Risks 154
Exercise A 155
Exercise B 155
Self-Reflection Checklist 156
References 156
PART B: THE LITIGATION ADVOCATE 159
5 An Introduction to Criminal Litigation 161
5.1 Introduction 161
5.2 Excluding Evidence 162
5.2.1 Illegally or Improperly Obtained Evidence 162
5.2.2 Confessions 165
5.2.3 Criminal Justice Act Provisions on Hearsay 168
5.2.3.1 Exceptions to the Hearsay Exclusionary Rule 168
5.3 Character and Similar Fact Evidence 175
5.3.1 Criminal Justice Act Provisions on Character Evidence 175
5.3.1.1 Gateways to Admitting Bad Character
Evidence of a Defendant 176
5.3.1.2 Evidence of Motive 178
5.3.1.3 Evidence of Propensity 178
5.4 Defendant's Good Character 181
5.5 Silence at the Police Station 183
5.5.1 Silence at the Trial 185
5.5.2 Silence on Arrest 185
5.5.3 Other Examples of Silence as Evidence 186
5.5.4 Privilege Against Self-Incrimination 186
5.6 Pre-Trial Applications 186
5.7 The Criminal Case Study 187
5.7.1 Exercise 1 (Bail) 188
5.7.2 Exercise 2 (Specific Disclosure) 197
5.7.3 Exercise 3 (Hearsay and Character Evidence) 203
Self-Reflection Checklist 205
References 205
6 An Introduction to Civil Litigation 209
6.1 Introduction 209
6.2 Excluding Evidence 209
6.2.1 Illegally or Improperly Obtained Evidence 210
6.2.2 Character and Similar Fact Evidence 210
6.3 Admitting Evidence into the Proceedings 211
6.3.1 Hearsay 212
6.3.2 Admissions 213
6.4 Privilege Against Self-Incrimination 214
6.5 Interim Applications 215
6.5.1 Applicants 216
6.5.2 Respondents 216
6.6 The Civil Case Studies 217
6.6.1 Exercise 1 (Setting Aside Default Judgment) 218
6.6.2 Exercise 2 (Summary Judgment) 227
6.6.3 Exercise 3 (Interim Payment) 230
Self-Reflection Checklist 236
References 236
7 An Introduction to Trials and Appeals 239
7.1 Introduction 239
7.2 An Introduction to Trials 239
7.2.1 Burden of Proof 240
7.2.1.1 Burden and Standard of Proof in
Civil Proceedings 241
7.2.1.2 Burden and Standard of Proof in
Criminal Trials 241
7.3 A Submission of 'No Case to Answer' 243
7.4 Trial Bundles 244
7.5 Speeches 244
7.5.1 Opening Speeches 244
7.5.2 Closing Speeches 245
7.5.3 The Judge's Summing-Up (Jury Trials only) 245
7.6 Verdicts and Judgments 248
7.6.1 Newton Hearings (Criminal Cases) 249
7.6.2 Sentencing (Criminal Cases) 249
7.6.3 Enforcement of Judgments (Civil Cases) 252
7.6.4 Costs 252
7.6.5 Finality of Litigation 253
7.7 An Introduction to Appeals 254
7.7.1 Appeals in Civil Proceedings 254
7.7.2 Appeals in Criminal Proceedings 257
7.7.3 Appeal Notice 257
7.7.4 Crown Court as an Appeal Court 259
7.7.5 Sources of Potential Miscarriages of Justice 259
7.8 The Post-Trial Case Studies 261
7.8.1 Exercise 1 (Sentencing) 262
Instructions 262
7.8.2 Exercise 2 (Grounds of Appeal) 265
Instructions 265
Self-Reflection Checklist 267
References 267
Appendix A 271
Table of Key Procedural Rules 272
Appendix B 277
Table of Evidential Rules 278
PART C: KNOWLEDGE REVEALED 281
Suggested Answers for Chapter 1 283
Exercise A - Problem Question 283
Exercise B - Multiple Choice Tests 284
Test One 284
Test Two 284
Suggested Answers for Chapter 2 285
Exercise A - Problem Question 285
Exercise B - Multiple Choice Tests 286
Test One 286
Test Two 286
Suggested Answers for Chapter 3 287
Exercise A - Problem Question 287
Exercise B - Multiple Choice Tests 287
Test One 287
Test Two 287
Suggested Answers for Chapter 4 289
Exercise A - Problem Question 289
Exercise B - Multiple Choice Tests 290
Scenario One 290
Scenario Two 290
Suggested Answers for Chapter 5 291
Exercise 1 (Bail) 291
Exercise 2 (Specific Disclosure) 294
Exercise 3 (Hearsay and Character Evidence) 295
Hearsay Evidence of Callum Proustin 295
Character Evidence of Simon Montiana 297
Suggested Answers for Chapter 6 301
Exercise 1 Memorandum A - Setting Aside a Default Judgment 301
Exercise 2 Memorandum B - Summary Judgment 304
Exercise 3 Memorandum C - Interim Payments 306
Suggested Answers for Chapter 7 309
Exercise 1 309
Exercise 2 311
Index 315
List of Figures
0.1
Book Skills Content
1.1
1.2
1.3
Chapter Content.................................................................................................................... 8
Statement of Solicitor Competence...........................................................................
8Public Trust and Confidence in the Profession.................................................
112.1 ......... Statement of Solicitor Competence..................................................................
2.2 Chapter Content...........................................................................................................
2.3 What, How and Why Analysis..............................................................................
2.4 Citing Authorities.........................................................................................................
2.5 Rules of Interpretation..............................................................................................
3.1 Statement of Solictor Competence...................................................................
3.2 Chapter Content...........................................................................................................
3.3 How to Address a Judge in the Higher Courts...........................................
3.4 How to Address a Judge in the Lower Courts.............................................
3.5 Steps to a Good Presentation..............................................................................
3.6 The Essentials of Body Language.......................................................................
3.7 Aristotle’s Method of Persuasion.......................................................................
4.1 Statement of Solicitor Competence..................................................................
4.2 Chapter Content...........................................................................................................
4.3 Rights of Audience in the Lower Courts.........................................................
4.4 Higher Rights of Audience.....................................................................................
4.5 Status of 'Solicitor Agents’....................................................................................
4.6 The Senior Court Structure.....................................................................................
4.7 ......... The Lower Court Structure.................................................................................... 137
4.8 Handling Witnesses.................................................................................................. 143
5.1 Hunter Good Character Guidance............................................................... 182
5.2 Hunter Good Character Guidance Contd................................................ 183
7.1 Routes to Appeal in the Civil Courts.......................................................... 256
7.2 Routes to Appeal in the Criminal Courts.................................................. 258