单选题
The success or failure of a case often hinges on an
organizing principle known as a case theme. For example, the case theme in the
trial of Erik and Lyle Menendez, two brothers accused of murdering their
parents, was "the abuse excuse". The brothers should be excused because they had
been severely abused. A primary case theme of the O. J. Simpson defense was "the
police messed up and planted evidence". Themes are simple,
brief (one sentence!) statements that capture the essence of your argument. You
control the lens through which the facts will be viewed. For a trial lawyer,
this is absolutely critical. If the lawyer fails to establish a case theme, he
or she gives opposing counsel the advantage. Or even worse, the listeners,
or those you are trying to persuade, will adopt the theme suggested to them by
your adversary. Whoever controls the definition of the case is inevitably the
one with the power. Just as a theme gives the listeners a
generalizing principle around which information can be organized, so too does it
give you one. The great trial lawyers emphasize the need for an overall strategy
as well as day-to-day tactics. A case theme embodies a lawyer's overall strategy
in a nutshell and helps him organize the case so that he always stays on target.
Use a theme to help you stay well and easily focused on the overall thrust of
your presentation. A good case theme also greatly enhances your
credibility. When you establish a succinct, easy-to-remember theme, you
let people know that you have a well-defined and thought-out point of view. Such
specificity adds to your perceived competence and trustworthiness. Remember:
successful trial lawyers are never wishy-washy.
单选题
The case involving two brother killers demonstrates that ______.
A. even murders may be excused sometimes
B. a well-defined argument can win a difficult case
C. child abusers should be duly punished
D. upholding justice is the most important in court
【正确答案】
D
【答案解析】
单选题
The message of this passage is that ______.
A. good lawyers are of critical importance in a lawsuit
B. legal procedures sometimes may run out of control
C. murder cases can be manipulated as people wish
D. a well-defined focusing point is a key to win a case
【正确答案】
B
【答案解析】
单选题
A good case theme can prevent ______.
A. the trial lawyer from losing his or her target in defense
B. the opposing side from forming their case theme
C. the audience from being easily persuaded
D. those who have power from controlling the trial
【正确答案】
A
【答案解析】
单选题
An additional merit of a good case theme is that you may ______.
A. get more information
B. control the opposing side
C. prove your competence
D. trust the jury and the judge
【正确答案】
C
【答案解析】
单选题
The last word "wishy-washy" is closest in meaning to ______.