Courtroom Decorum Self-Quiz
You, the Assistant
United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York, are revved
up and ready to prosecute a defendant in a racketeering and murder trial.
It is a famous mob-related case. You put on your best clothes and prepare
an emotional opening argument. At the start of the trial, you state in
court, “Believe me – you, my friends of the jury, are in the
presence of a cold-blooded killer, probably more dangerous than any you
have seen in the movies.” Are you subject to discipline for this
statement?
|
You, the Assistant
United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York, are revved
up and ready to prosecute a defendant in a racketeering and murder trial.
It is a famous mob-related case. You approach the defendant’s attorney,
Skip Townshend, about the defendant’s interest in plea bargaining.
You tell Skip, “Skipper, we’ve been at this game for years
now. You know your guy’s guilty as sin. You believe it just as I
do. Is he gonna play ball, or what?” Are you subject to discipline
for stating your personal opinions?
|
The District
Attorney in Manhattan holds a press conference for the local news stations
and newspapers. During the conference he issues a statement and answers
reporters’ questions related to the capture of suspected gang leader
and master thief, Thug Watkins. In addition to stating the usual information
regarding the government’s interest in prosecuting the defendant,
and the fact that an investigation of the matter is in progress, the D.A.
says that any private individual, outside of the government, connected
with Mr. Watkins’s arrest is in grave danger and there is a possibility
that certain of his former associates will suffer a substantial likelihood
of bodily harm. You, the attorney for Mr. Watkins, assert that the D.A.’s
statement is terribly prejudicial to the outcome of Mr. Watkins’
case. You contact the local ethics board and assert that Mr. Watkins is
subject to discipline. Are you correct?
|
You are a
lawyer engaged in a bitter fee dispute with a client. You represent yourself
as plaintiff, because you’re short on cash – not necessarily
because you trust your legal skills. In fact, you’ve never conducted
a trial before, and are rather nervous. You know the truth will come out,
that the client owes you a hefty sum. But for the truth to be flushed
out, you feel you have to testify before the jury. Is this acceptable,
given that you are counsel for the plaintiff?
|
©2003 - 2024 National Paralegal College