Q: In a courtroom setting w/Jury, what is the proper way to introduce higher court rulings into a trial?
I live in South Carolina, a strict liability state. I was jogging and was attacked and bitten by two dogs. I was injured (not seriously, two puncture wounds in my leg). I filed in small claims court for damages. The Defendant has retained legal counsel. The demanded a jury trial. I am representing myself. The only exemption to the strict liability law in SC is provocation of the dog, which I did not do (I didn't even know they were in the vicinity). I was on a public road and they were not leashed. I have found some good case law at the Appellate and Supreme Court levels which clarify terms and interpretations. I figure I cannot cite these in my closing until I have entered them into "evidence." How do I do that in a trial setting with jury? Do I just present them to all parties and read the pertinent parts aloud into evidence after I make my witness statement? Thanks.
A: Give the judge the case law before the jury is called in and highlight the applicable parts, and ask him to charge the jury with the highlighted portions. That means he will read those to the jurors when he is telling them about the law which happens after closing statements, and before they deliberate. I hope that is helpful and I do wish you the best.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
