While many trial lawyers focus on the credibility of their witnesses, a truism remains: No one’s credibility is more important than your own. If you have lost credibility before the jury, you have gone a long way to losing the case. Conversely, by making tactical decisions to enhance your credibility, you will help your cause even when the facts are difficult.
The trial lawyer who discloses his weaknesses bolsters his credibility with the jury. The goal at all times for the trial lawyer is to be viewed as the speaker of truth, the impartial arbiter and the voice of reason. By volunteering a weakness, you will be in a position to have the jurors conclude that you, as an advocate, have gone out of your way to present the whole picture to them and not just the favorable parts of your case.
