Getting the Charge: How to Elicit Testimony to Secure the Wantonness Jury Instruction - On Demand CLE

While a wanton conduct jury charge is commonplace in cases against drunk drivers, courts often stop short of giving the charge without such explicit conduct. However, recent court decisions–even in conservative venues–have expanded and clarified the definition of wanton conduct against individuals, giving trial lawyers the opportunity to maximize damages in a broader range of cases. 
 
Join trial lawyer Heidi DiLorenzo as she explores how to preplan your depositions to elicit the necessary testimony to prove wantonness, convert that deposition testimony into air-tight trial testimony, and successfully argue for a wantonness jury charge. She will discuss the pros and cons of asking for punitive damages against an individual defendant and how to frame the ask once the judge has ruled to give the charge. 
 
This 60-minute webinar will cover:

• Discovery planning and jury instructions
• Jurisdiction-specific case authority and rules
• Deposition of the defendant, including the purpose of rules, conformity of the defendant’s conduct, and their knowledge of the danger
• Converting the deposition testimony into trial testimony
• Lawyer’s demeanor
• Juror perception of the defendant
• Punitive or compensatory damages
• Framing damages around community protection and deterring future behavior

Click here for Access Instructions for On Demand Programs

Each user must register individually as they will need their own login to access the program and comply with CLE requirements. 

Need accreditation in another jurisdiction?  Fill out this form and note Course No. 240829D00. 

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