"The Family Law Evidence Handbook: Rules and Procedures for Effective Advocacy"

I am excited to announce the publication of my new book,"The Family Law Evidence Handbook: Rules and Procedures for Effective Advocacy," published by the ABA. 

I wrote this book as a true trial handbook: a quick counsel table reference for matrimonial trial lawyers. The goal of the book is "how to get it in and how to keep it out." While the book relies mainly on the Federal Rules of Evidence, many states (including Illinois) follow them closely if not exactly.

The topics I cover in the book include:

Chapter 1    Trial Process and Procedure
Chapter 2    The Fundamentals of Evidence
Chapter 3    Relevance
Chapter 4    Evidence of Character and Habit
Chapter 5    Other Miscellaneous Relevancy Issues
Chapter 6    Hearsay
Chapter 7    Hearsay Exceptions
Chapter 8    Judicial Notice and Presumptions
Chapter 9    Authentication of Writings and Other Tangible Evidence
Chapter 10  Original Writing Rule and Rule of Completeness
Chapter 11  Competency of Witnesses
Chapter 12  Evidentiary Privileges
Chapter 13  Expert Witnesses
Chapter 14  Examination of Witnesses
Chapter 15  Tendering Exhibits, Objections, and Offers of Proof
Chapter 16  Procedures for Streamlining Admission of Evidence

Helpful information includes the procedure to admit social media, such as Facebook pages, websites and other digital evidence. Oklahoma lawyer and  expert on electronic evidence, Joe Howie, noted about the book, "I've read countless articles and blog posts on e-discovery and sat through many a webinar and live presentation on electronic evidence but nobody has done as good a job of offering practical advice on how to authenticate and use electronic evidence...Peskind's handbook demystifies actually using electronic evidence at trial."   

As I state in my introduction, "Judges identify lawyers who can try cases well, and appreciate their skill. And good settlements come from superior trial skills. A lawyer who knows how to try a case can often secure a better settlement than the lawyer who is less comfortable in the courtroom. Lawyers who do not recognize their limitations will try cases unsuccessfully against opponents who know the rules and can apply them. It is axiomatic, but knowledge is power. This book is the starting point for lawyers pursuing excellence in family law trial advocacy."

 
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