California Judges Benchbook: Civil Proceedings – Trial allows you to tailor your case presentation to a judge's satisfaction and learn the techniques that judges use during trial to maintain control. Written by judges, this resource offers guidelines and checklists that a judge will follow when considering your trial motions or motions from opposing counsel. Its content:

• Guides you through civil trial proceedings, including voir dire, the examination of witnesses, the introduction of evidence, and argument
• Translates the statutes and rules into do's and don'ts, helping avoid sanctions, contempt citations, and mistrial
• Uncovers techniques that judges use to establish and maintain control of the courtroom
• Emphasizes resolution of potential problems at the outset during a trial management conference
• Explains the judge's duty to actively control and supervise the proceedings
• Includes spoken and written forms, judges' worksheet, judges' checklists, charts, and how-to tips and techniques for case management
• Advises on weighing pros and cons, and on exercising discretion
• Offers an insider's view, as it focuses on the judge's role during a civil trial and provides perspective on how judges manage the courtroom
• Analyzes the procedural elements common to all motions, and illustrates how to maximize chances for a favorable ruling
• Highlights situations in which judicial practices may differ, and explains alternatives