Humor in the Courtroom: Is There a Place?
Maryland Bar Journal, Vol. 20, No. 4, p. 20, April 1987
2 Pages Posted: 19 Jul 2010
Date Written: April 1, 1987
Abstract
Is there a place for humor in the courtroom? This Practice Tips article will examine this question and discuss how appropriate, low-key humor can be of benefit to particular parties in particular cases.
Some lawyers may say that the trial of a civil or criminal case is serious business. They may say that there is absolutely no place for levity in such somber proceedings. I disagree. Appropriate humor during otherwise boring and especially time-consuming protracted litigation can play an important role in your ability to persuade the jury (a) that you are a human being, (b), provide a counter-balancing context in the appropriate type of case in which everyone can share a laugh, (c) break the tension or the ice at timely moments, and (d) be useful for other tactical reasons.
Keywords: humor, levity, civil trials, criminal trials, trial practice, litigation, attorneys, lawyers, judges, juries
JEL Classification: K19, K29, K39, K49
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation