Trial advocacy and the power of persuasion....I was asked how I might I invest a jury with a sense of responsibility for my client.....an interesting question as I have not actually thought about it but all jurors are inexplicably important to justice in its most profound sense....I guess my closing speech might start like this.......

Every barrister should develop his or her own unique approach when addressing a jury. I find making closing speeches an intense and emotional experience, and what I strive to achieve is an intellectual intimacy with the jury for the duration of my speech. I believe that when I manage to establish a connection with a jury where they feel we are on a shared journey of discovery about the evidence, the defendant and indeed themselves, this is when I am most effective.

Even after 28 years as a criminal barrister, delivering a speech still leaves me emotionally drained at its conclusion. And so it should be if counsel gives his all in an appeal to the hearts as much as the minds of the twelve individuals so central to our justice system.