ELEMENTS OF COURT/POLITICAL STRATEGY

Research all pertinent statutes, rules, regulations, legislative history, court cases, and treatises. In short, become expert on the narrow points of law of the case. Get a copy of "A Guide to Federal Agency Rule Making."

Project the position of underdog, intelligence, honesty, fear, indignation, issue of principle, belief, determination, calm, non-antagonism, non-arrogance.

Don't do, say or write anything that may be used against you legally or politically (foul language, threats, radical invectiveness, and so on).

Draw battle-lines on important political issue championed by many of the public, even if of secondary importance to the cause.

Publicity: Expose wrong-doing by government/court.

Limit opponents options through unilateral discovery, FOIA, jurisdiction, public acceptance of one's behavior, condemnation of adversaries' acts.

Don't limit own options: Do not itemize defenses or give information enabling preparation to meet defense or amendment of charge to self detriment.

Ensure credibility: Only one adversary per battle if possible. Do not add names or issues to the debate.

Do not alienate any potential supporters by ignoring the "one adversary, one issue" rule.

Do not appear to be a legal know-it-all. It may work in a seminar but no chance with the general public. Ideally the legal knowledge or other assistance comes from "unknown" supporters.

If public perceives that subject is capable of handling himself and is not the underdog, then public will not give support, especially if a subject goes on the offensive (as in filing a court suit).

Assemble ideal defense team with these attributes:

Do not sign your name frivolously

If you are going to assemble, bring
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