Focus (Forum & Focus)
Jan. 3, 2008
The Power of Persuasion
Forum Column - By Thomas A. Mesereau, Jr. - A 1980s Texas case billed as the "civil trial of the century" provides a powerful reminder that logic can't always trump rhetoric in the courtroom.
By Thomas A. Mesereau, Jr.
Persuasion is key to any jury trial. One can meticulously prepare but communicate poorly and lose. Conversely, a lawyer with less factual knowledge may be a genius at presenting the themes that win. Trials are a gamble.
Twenty-two years ago, the "civil trial of the century" took place in Houston. It involved three oil companies, Pennzoil, Texaco and...
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