Recent Blog Posts
The Closing Argument, Part 2
All of the evidence, all of the arguments: everything comes down to the closing statement. I follow four principles when it comes time to bring together all the threads in the trial and present a cohesive, credible, and memorable case to the panel. In the closing argument, I develop my theories of the case… Read More »
The Closing Argument, Part 1
Your attorney has argued your case, presented the evidence, examined and cross-examined the witnesses. Now it’s time to bring it all home in the closing statement. The stakes couldn’t be higher. When I prepare a closing statement, I follow four principles to make sure I’m delivering the most logical, persuasive argument possible. This post… Read More »
Getting to Truth on Cross-Examination
Courtrooms are places where stories are told. Your attorney’s cross-examination of the witnesses for the prosecution reveals the holes in their story and demonstrates the credibility of yours. As legendary trial attorney Gerry Spence puts it, “Basic cross-examination is nothing more than a true-or-false test administered to the witness.” The Rules of Cross-Examination Drawing… Read More »
Military Justice Today Podcast: Special Guest Colby Vokey
There is a new episode of the Military Justice Today podcast available today and it’s a good one. Rob Capovilla and Mickey Williams talk with prominent military law attorney, Colby Vokey, about one of the more recent and egregious cases of unlawful command influence. The guys dug into what happened in Colby’s client’s case… Read More »
Let Them Speak: Direct Examination of Witnesses
The burden of proof at a court martial is on the prosecution: if they can’t prove to the panel beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime you’re accused of, you’ll go free. This simple fact determines the structure of the trial proceedings. After opening statements from both sides, the prosecuting attorney will… Read More »
New Podcast Episode: Powerful Opening Statements in Military Trials
There is another episode of the Military Justice Today podcast available on all the major platforms. In this one, experienced military lawyers Robert Capovilla and Mickey Williams share their philosophies, process, and best practices for delivering compelling opening statements in both jury and judge-alone military trials. To listen on Apple Podcasts, click here. To… Read More »
Capovilla & Williams Receives Award from Fort Bragg MWR
Capovilla & Williams was recently honored at the 2022 Fort Bragg Family & MWR Awards Ceremony. It was a great night to celebrate all the companies and organizations that support one of the top military bases in the world and all the great done in Fayetteville, NC to protect our nation. It was also… Read More »
Opening Statements: The Story Begins
Popular culture reveres the closing argument. Movies like My Cousin Vinny or A Time to Kill emphasize the importance of the closing statement. Who can forget “now imagine she’s white”? The entire courtroom stops; the judge is touched by emotion, and the jury is in tears. This isn’t how it works in real life…. Read More »
Robert Capovilla Receives Legal Award from ALM’s Daily Report
Robert Capovilla was recently honored by ALM’s Daily Report in the 2022 edition of the Georgia Legal Awards. Rob was named to the On The Rise category which recognizes Georgia’s most influential lawyers under the age of 40. The Daily Report editorial team was assisted in this year’s selection process by a panel of… Read More »
Voir Dire and Panel Selection
After your arraignment and motions hearings, and after the court has decided what kind of evidence it will and won’t allow, your trial officially begins with the selection of your panel. As we noted earlier the panel—the military’s term for jury—consists of eight servicemembers of your own rank or higher selected from a pool… Read More »
