Flight isn't about guilt

Article Abstract:

An accused's flight from police or other agents of the government often represents rational fears that spring from particular circumstances, and can be presented as exculpatory. While flight and/or concealment are typically regarded as evidence of guilt, it is technically admissible only as circumstantial evidence of the accused's state of mind. If the prosecution introduces evidence of flight, the defense can use that as an opportunity to explore why the accused felt afraid, sometimes to significant advantage.

Analysis, Evidence (Law), Criminal intent

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Political justice: vive la similarite

Article Abstract:

The acquittal in France of defendantss charged with involuntary homicide resulting from their alleged negligence in failing to see that hemophiliacs were given blood free of the AIDS virus angered victims' associations and sparked renewed discussion of the procedure to try high public officials accused of crimes, but the lack of secrecy in supposedly secret trials, court officials' lack of trial practice experience and choosing jurors for their political affiliations have also excited comment.

United States, France, Political questions and judicial power

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At trial, grab the chance for a grand opening

Article Abstract:

Criminal lawyers should use the opening statement to set out the defense's view of the case for the jury. Complex issues should be illustrated in a vivid way. Pictures should be used when available. All pieces of evidence have only the power credible witnesses give them. Jurors should hear at the start that defense experts will contradict the government and demonstrate reasonable doubt. Judges should give a pretrial instruction on the key matters of law.

Methods, Trial practice, Forensic oratory

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