There are several figurines that depict the Lady of Justice. Google it and you will be able to read more about it. However, for the purpose of this Article, I shall refer to the predominantly used 16th Century figurine of the blindfolded Lady of Justice.
Is Justice blind or is Justice not to be under any influence? 16th Century and the tales of antiquity for that figurine apart, why is it that a lady is used to depict the figurine of the Scales of Justice? Interesting subject for discussion to fill idle time.
However, to get directly to the purpose of this Article, I would like to share some of the salient points I learned during the 8 years that I spent waiting for my Court Case to proceed.
Work on the weak links
On both sides of the legal coin there would be one axiom, “Carpe Diem” (“Seize the Opportunity”). A failure to work on your weak links would allow the prosecution to cut you to pieces.
Work, work, work tirelessly on all the known weak links in your case.
Remember, your learned prosecutor will spare no feelings or hesitation to seize the opportunity you leave him with your weak links.
Be a good listener
It pays to listen (as well as to ask questions) with your lawyer. It does not mean that the lawyer knows everything and that he is invincible. Rather, it is to accept that you lack both an in-depth knowledge of how many permutations there are in Logic and that you also lack the experience.
Your lawyer is only as good as how much he gathers from you
Therefore, it does not help your cause if you withhold details from your lawyer. Details that would even include what you know about characteristics, personality and background of the plaintiff or defendant.
Lawyers can be likened to predators who give a lengthy chase, wearing down the stamina of their “prey” and then pounce when they wish to make their “kill”. This tedious run about to allow the person to drop his guard, lose his mental focus and answer given in a mesmerized mental state offers exactly what the lawyer seeks.
Maintain regular consultation with your lawyer
It helps a great deal if you are able to build a close working relationship with your lawyer. This allows both you and your lawyer to quickly identify, communicate and decide on the best line of approach.
Do not rest all your hopes solely on the lawyer
Your lawyer is human and fallible. With his extremely hectic schedule, he may miss some important points. That could prove disadvantageous to you.
You must bring to his attention on even the minutest detail if you believe it carries weight to prove your innocence or right of claim.
Sometimes, the lawyer is able to see the whole picture after several discussions and then he is able to accept the validity of your detail.
Allow your lawyer to rip you apart
It is better to “lose” your case in his Office than in the Court Room. Be patient no matter how many times your lawyer repeats his question or makes you repeat your side of the story.
He is looking for flaws; flaws that would decide whether you have a calculable chance in winning your case or whether you should decide for other options to settle the dispute.
Be prepared
First and always, have all your facts ready. I did say FACTS. That means hard facts and not hearsay evidence. Witnesses add more credibility in your favor.
Go through your facts with thoroughness. Always think how the prosecution would see it and not the way you see it. Therein lies your ability to see if there are any unsupported gaps with your rationale.
Be wary of trick questions
In the Court room proceedings, never answer a question put to you if you do not clearly understand what the question means. Understand the question before giving your answer.
Answer only the question and do not offer more details than needed. The more detail you offer, the more you are unwittingly helping the lawyer to throw more questions back at you.
When you are asked a question by the lawyer, the lawyer already has a queue of a dozen more while you are still grappling with your answer. In fact the lawyer has two sets of a dozen questions ready depending on what your answer will be.
Speak truthfully
This is the toughest part. You have vested interest and you have only one thing on your mind. To WIN.
Truth can be delusive under such circumstances.
You would swear to God that you’re speaking the truth but remember that the human mind chooses to believe only in what it wishes to believe in. So, tread carefully.
I am still learning and I do not claim that the above is all there is to it. I am fallible too.
General Santos Time
