Stupid Clients
Lawyers advise. Clients decide. Clients (and witnesses) have all the facts. The lawyers weren’t there when it happened. Lawyers take the facts from the people who were there, maybe get expert opinions, put together the facts and expert opinions in a (hopefully) persuasive way. The lawyers present evidence at court, and argue the facts mean the client should win. The judge or jurors then decide. That’s the process.
Lawyers prepare their clients (and witnesses) to testify: Listen to the question. Speak calmly. Stop any irritating habits (paging Dr. David Spiegel, there appears to be a hamster in your mouth). Don’t lie. Don’t disrespect the judge or jurors. Simple, huh?
Oh, and this: STFU.
Don’t go on and on when a short answer works. Don’t let the other lawyer goad you into making irrational or contradictory statements. Don’t dig the hole of your stupidity any deeper.
The Depp v. Heard trial is a perfect example. The jury determined that each defamed the other: Heard’s of Depp was worse, thus $10 million in damages. Depp “only” has to pay her $2 million. Let’s not debate the result: the case is over, a verdict was rendered.
Depp released a statement that was classy, respectful of the process, and grateful to the judge, jurors, court staff, and his lawyers. Above all, it was not vengeful.
Heard, on the other hand released a statement claiming the verdict was wrong.
She appears to blame her own lawyers for losing the case. Nope: Even great lawyers can’t spin gold from straw.
She falsely claims she had won a libel case against Depp in the UK on the same or similar allegations. Nope: Depp lost against the tabloid paper The Sun, because in the UK, the victim of libel has to prove he didn’t do it. In the US and Canada, the libeler has to prove their accusation is true. Try proving you are not a wife-beater.
Heard claims the jury verdict implies that the rich and famous get away with violence, and that the verdict seems to say violence against women is ok. Nope: the verdict says liars don’t cash in with lying accusations.
She claims that her right to free speech has been taken away. Nope: “Free speech” doesn’t mean you can lie.
Here's the dumbest part: Heard’s statement repeats her libel. She’s found guilty, then does it again.
STFU, Amber.
