However the George Zimmerman trial ends, its impact will ripple forward–from race relations and perceptions to “stand your ground” applications. But there’s one aspect sure to find its way into future law school curricula. That was defense attorney Don West’s opening statement. There are strategic “do’s” and there are strategic “don’ts.” And there are strategy-challenged “what-the-hell-were-you-thinkings?” This was one of those.
Whether it’s a court of law or an initial date, there’s only one chance to make a first impression. Thus, a major rule of courtroom thumb has to be: No knock-knock jokes. None. Ever. At best, they’re beneath the dignity of the moment. At worst, they’re counterproductive to your case.
And what were West’s first words to the jurors: “Knock. Knock. Who is there? George Zimmerman. George Zimmerman who? All right, good. You’re on the jury.”
Say what? There’s bad desk-side manner and there’s legal buffoonery verging on malpractice. In effect, West had said: “Of course, I want you to take me and the arguments I present seriously. We have, as you will see, a case with merit and credibility. But, first, let me begin with a juvenile joke that insults you for being so poorly informed on current events that you were consequently chosen to sit in judgment of my client.”
You can’t make this up. For sure, no law school instructor would even try.