SC Bar

2008 State Competition Comments

Confidence will always carry the day and you all had great confidence.
Both the witnesses and attorneys should work on eye contact with jurors. 
It is easier to maintain eye contact when you do not rely on notes. 
Keep voices up, especially when close to witness stand or when not directly facing jurors.
Don’t stare at the floor.
Projection is important and slow down when you are speaking. 
Maintain eye contact.
Watch body language when addressing the jury. 
Don’t forget to breath.
Don’t take yourselves too seriously since this competition is meant to be fun as well. 
Remember you are making a presentation of information to the jury, so be sure to speak to them instead of directly to the attorney.

Do not fabricate or exaggerate your testimony.
Plaintiff should be seated at the table with the attorneys. She or he is integral to the case.
Witnesses were all excellent, but don’t overact. 
Witnesses need to let the attorney bring the testimony out rather than force it. 
Speak towards the jury and speak louder. 
Don’t argue with the attorney. 
Do not be too aggressive when giving your testimony or during cross-examination.
Pay attention and answer questions on cross rather than just give an explanation. 
Slow down.
Be personable.
When you are giving your testimony try not to make it sound like it is memorized.
During the direct examination the witness should do most of the talking.  During cross-examination the attorney should do more of the talking.  The answers given during cross-examination should be very specific. 
Witnesses are just as important to the case as the attorneys. 
Witnesses should not try to be flippant or clever. 
Witnesses should let the attorneys elicit the testimony.
Witnesses should stay in the game and pay attention even after your testimony.
Experts should be dispassionate unless your character has a reason to be emotionally involved in the case.
Witnesses should not get too offensive on cross. 
Try to develop characters that don’t just help your case, but are honest and believable to the jury. 

Objections that were made and arguments supporting were delivered well and thought out with the sophistications of any veteran lawyer.  Great job.
Don’t ask the obvious.  Make sure to tell a clear story.  Good use of themes.  Don’t feel that you must object. 
Great delivery.  Obviously very prepared and very knowledgeable.
Do not stand with backs to jury during directs or cross because it makes it difficult to hear the attorneys.   
If you make a good point on cross, do not keep crossing the witness. 
Don’t object to evidence when shown to opposing counsel, wait until it has been show to witness, identified then offered into evidence.
Don’t let your witness run away with their testimony. 
Watch leading questions on direct examination. 
Remember to anticipate potential objections and how to argue them. 
Think of all possible grounds for admission before arguing against an objection. 
When a judge sustains an objection against you, be sure to go back and somehow get the information exposed to the jury.
Good job on pointing out key evidence and getting relevant information from witnesses.
Make sure you are not rude to the witnesses; it is not favorable to the jury.
Don’t need to address judge in opening or closing arguments. 
It is okay to refer to notes, but do not read directly from them.
Proper objections will enable you to take effectiveness from your opponent; however, you must have valid and sufficient arguments to support it. 
Don’t let the witness run over you.
Do not shout at the judge or jury. 
The attorney should be an advocate for their case and witnesses.
Watch compound questions on cross.
Be able to defend your objections.
If you are successful in keeping out an opinion solicited on direct, do not open the opinion on cross.
Try not to say thank you too much to the judge, especially when he or she rules against you. It seems disrespectful. 
Know what elements you are trying to prove or disprove.  You must have a theory of the case to succeed.
Good recovery from adverse rulings from the bench.
Don’t attack the victim.
Do not turn your back on the jury unless it is necessary.
Use your closing more effectively. 

Good use of exhibits.
Know the rules of evidence, especially hearsay and its exceptions. 
Use your exhibits.  Use the rules of evidence to prevent the other side from proving its case.

Be careful about being too sarcastic or have too much attitude. 
Watch courtroom positioning. 
Great job!
Great job overall in thinking on your feet after objections for witness and attorney.
Negligence and strict liability are two separate causes of action.
Everyone was great.
Excellent work by both teams! 
Very articulate, clear presentations by all involved.  Try to control your emotions and stay calm. 
This was a pleasure to watch.  Nice job!  Both sides were civil towards each other.
Good work on the case and use of courtroom. 
I hope you all enjoyed it because you may be doing it for a living someday in the future.  Good luck!
I applaud the efforts of all who participated.  No matter what the final results of this competition are, the lesson you learn from mock trial will benefit you the rest of your life.
Although multiple piercing and hair in eyes are forms of expression and style, they may be distracting to jurors. 
Great job!  Look forward to seeing you in court.
Excellent progress from regional competition!
The hard work was obvious.  Overall, great performance!
Teams acted professionally. 
Keep up the good work!