Cross Examination Made Simple Part II: Impeachment by Inconsistent Statement (And Omission)

In this presentation, the speaker covers preparation for cross-examination; the three steps for impeachment that are tried and true; pitfalls to avoid; a flexible technique for cross-examination that can be used with virtually any adverse witness; impeachment by omission; and how to expose the liar, the cheat, and the fool. Finally, he walks you through hypotheticals that demonstrate how to apply these rules practically in the courtroom.

Webinar Nov 18 2025, Tuesday 02:30 PM EDT 120 Minutes Basic Level Code: GRC0000133

Courtroom
Litigation
Storytelling
Criminal defense
representing the criminal defendant

Trial lawyers, Criminal defense attorneys, Personal injury attorneys, ADR attorneys

How does the concept of "paper" play a crucial role in the preparation for cross-examination?
In what ways can the credibility of a witness be undermined through impeachment by inconsistent statements?
Can you explain the three steps involved in the impeachment process during cross-examination and their significance?

What strategies can a lawyer employ to ensure that the jury perceives the earlier statement as more credible than the current testimony?

How does the use of a witness's prior statement influence the effectiveness of cross-examination?

What are the potential pitfalls a lawyer should avoid when conducting a cross-examination that involves impeachment by inconsistent statements?

How does the emotional core of a lawyer influence their approach to cross-examination, particularly when dealing with witnesses?

In what ways can the omission of a statement by a witness be used as a tool for impeachment, and what are the conditions for its effectiveness?

How does the format and presentation of questions impact the witness's responses during cross-examination?

What role does the understanding of human nature and motivation play in effectively conducting cross-examinations?

How can a lawyer balance the need for aggressive questioning with the importance of maintaining credibility with the jury?
What are the implications of allowing a witness to explain inconsistencies during cross-examination?
In what situations might it be more beneficial for a lawyer to read the impeaching statement rather than allowing the witness to read it themselves?

How can a lawyer prepare for the possibility of a redirect examination after conducting a cross-examination?
What techniques can be employed to engage the jury actively during cross-examination, and why is this important?

MICHAEL DEBLIS
MICHAEL DEBLIS

Michael is a trial lawyer. He graduated Cum Laude from The Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Summa Cum Laude from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law with his Masters of Law in Taxation. Michael is known for his charismatic personality and his unyielding dedication to his clients. Michael spent the first six years of his legal career as a public defender in the NJ Office of the Public Defender, cutting his teeth on some of the most serious felony cases to pass through the state courts of New Jersey. He then joined his father's law practice, DeBlis Law, expanding the practice into civil tax controversies and international tax compliance. As a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College, Michael has trained under some of the best-known criminal defense attorneys in the country. When he's not in the courtroom, you can find Michael on stage. He is a professionally-trained actor who has performed in off-Broadway productions and on-stage at Shakespeare in the Park. Michael's passionate about helping trial lawyers harness the power of persuasion and positive communication in the courtroom in order to connect to the jury on a human level. Michael's training as an actor allows him to combine a unique blend of left-brain thinking with right brain artistry to make even the most dull and abstract areas of the law come to life. Michael is a prolific writer and a frequent lecturer at CLE and CPE programs throughout the country. He has written articles that have been featured in leading tax journals and "Law 360." Michael is a living example of the tremendous power that comes from combining passion, preparation, persuasion, and positive communication in the courtroom. His courage and relentless work ethic have earned him a reputation as a zealous advocate and one of New Jersey’s rising stars of the legal profession.

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