Effective Direct and Cross-Examination

Publish in September 2025

This classic tool is used for successful trial preparation and organization. John W. Keker and the late William A. Brockett, two of California’s most respected trial attorneys, share their stories and their wisdom on how to effectively examine witnesses at a civil or criminal trial. Hone your courtroom performance with these solid techniques and insights, presented in a highly readable format. Read it in its entirety, peruse it as a source of trial ideas, or use it as a refresher for advocacy skills.

• Strategy and tactics
• Direct examination
• Preparing to cross-examine
• Time-honored rules of cross-examination—and when to break them
• Conducting cross-examination
• Preparing favorable witnesses for cross-examination
• Examination of experts
• Recurring examinations
• Depositions
• Examination of jurors
• Objections and evidence
• Mastering trial skills