Persuasive questioning and argument in our courts and tribunals need skills in case preparation and techniques of presentation. Those skills and techniques are gained by a combination of understanding and practice.

This book explains the ‘what’, the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of basic skills and techniques. The reader is then ready to practice.

Knowing the needs and wants of the audience, identifying the links among legal concepts, facts and witnesses, are at the heart of case preparation. That knowledge guides the content and tone of both argument and opening address.

Of course the advocate must also be able to ask questions that both bring out the evidence in an acceptable manner and keep the right level of control over each witness.

Advocacy is a skill that can always be improved, whether the practitioner is renowned or a novice. This is a book for the new comer, an explanation and illustration of the essential first steps along the road to renown.