Blog 16: Answer 2

1.  What is your EQ? 
What strategy is most beneficial to defend a client in a misdemeanor case?

2.  What is your first answer? (In complete thesis statement format)
The most beneficial strategy to defend a client in a misdemeanor case is to try and get a plea bargain.

3.  What is your second answer? (In complete thesis statement format)
Another extremely important strategy that is beneficial to defend a client is to use proactice listening to the client's specific background story and needs.

4.  List three reasons your answer is true with a real-world application for each.

1. Each client is different and has a unique life situation, for example, if a lawyer does not know that a client is undocumented they can ultimately cause deportation.

2. I defined beneficial as for both the client and the lawyer. In a real life situation the job of the defense lawyer is to get the best deal for the client, if the lawyer does not listen then they won't be able to understand the client's needs.

3.The client meetings are very crucial and the lawyers must practice proactive listening. Public defenders must meet quickly and efficiently with many clients throughout the day so they must be able to allow the client to give as much info as posssible and then be able to comprehend it before helping the client make a decision.


5.  What printed source best supports your answer?

Ruddy, Sara H., Nancy Yuenger, and Jeff Adachi. California Criminal Law Procedure and Practice. Oakland, CA: Continuing Education of the Bar--California, 2008. Print.

6.  What other source supports your answer?

Honestly, my other source is my mentor and the other lawyers at the public defender's office when I shadow them 

7.  Tie this together with a  concluding thought.

Through more research and experience, I have found my second answer to be that the use of proactive listening to the client can greatly benefit the outcome of the help from the lawyer.