Technique of persuasion

The Technique of Persuasion introduces the young advocate whether barrister or solicitor-to the most difficult and exacting, yet exciting and rewarding, of all legal crafts. The skill of the author, gained over 45 years as an advocate, is passed on in a way that encourages and develops expertise and confidence as the reader is led through the many difficulties and pitfalls that are likely to be met in practice. In addition to the praise given to the book in the Foreword by Mr. Justice Melford Stevenson, which is here reprinted, the first edition was acclaimed by Mr. Justice Chapman in the Law Quarterly Review for April 1971 as "the best modern work on advocacy It covers the whole field, from the point of view of an advocate This must be compulsory reading for anyone interested in court craft and by a reviewer in the Solicitors Journal as "a book about forensic advocacy by a practising solicitor who knows that job from the ferret word of an opening to the last word of a closing speech.

In this new edition a new section has been added on the Strategy and Tactics of Advocacy. This stems from the author's view that an important key to success, in small cases as well as in large ones, is a carefully considered tactical plan for the presentation of the case, both overall and at its different stages. Full account has been taken of new developments, in particular the provisions of the Bail Act 1976, whilst detailed consideration is given to such topics as Preparation for Trial, the Ethics of Advocacy, and Presentation in Court

The book is an essential acquisition for all in the legal profession. I addition, anyone who has to present a case, whether for himself or on behalf or another, before any kind of tribunal, and indeed anyone who seeks to under and the technique of persuasion, will find Sir David Napley's wisdom and experience invaluable.