Skip to content

Lawyers know that certain witnesses are simply not going…

“Lawyers know that certain witnesses are simply not going to be cooperative and are not going to answer the questions. And what matters at that point is what is your question? Because everything you want the jury to know should be in your question, or everything you want the jury to wonder about…” quote by Lawrence O'Donnell
Download Open image
“Lawyers know that certain witnesses are simply not going to be cooperative and are not going to answer the questions. And what matters at that point is what is your question? Because everything you want the jury to know should be in your question, or everything you want the jury to wonder about should be in your question.”

Lawrence O'Donnell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Effective questioning directs a jury’s focus; the question itself frames the narrative.

In simple terms: Ask the right question.

Key Takeaway

Craft questions that guide juror perception.

Themes

law communication strategy

Mood

analytical strategic

Type

legal educational

When to use this quote

  • courtroom
  • public speaking
  • media interviews

Key Concepts

juror persuasion question framing legal tactics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What core message do you want the jury to retain?
  • How can you anticipate opposing arguments?
A Different Perspective

Complex cases may resist simple framing.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Lawrence O'Donnell

Explore all 214 Lawrence O'Donnell quotes

More Everything quotes

Browse all 13,134 Everything quotes