Judge Mosman On Oral Argument

Appellate attorneys are used to being provided judicial advice on oral advocacy: be prepared; organize your argument; answer the question; stop slouching; don’t mumble; spit out that gum. So here’s a turnaround: Oregon District Court Judge Michael Mosman provides his thoughts on how judges can increase the civility and effectiveness of oral argument. Citing Aretha Franklin and Butch Cassidy, Judge Mosman points out that lawyers are not “serfs or peons” and suggests five paths to better arguments. Here’s the link with thanks to the HowAppealing blog.

Steve Sady, Chief Deputy Federal Public Defender, Portland, Oregon