What is a Trial Notebook?

• A trial notebook is a method of organizing documents and notes that lawyers use for complex trials. Typically a three-ring binder is divided into the various phases of the trial and the appropriate documents or evidence is kept in the corresponding section.
  
  

Trial Notebook Advantages

• There are many advantages to the trial notebook system. It allows quick and easy access to the correct documents at a moment's notice. Trials often move quickly, and having the proper documents on hand can be a great advantage.
  
  

Sections of a Trial Notebook

• The typical sections that are created in a trial notebook are as follows: Voir Dire, Opening, Witnesses, Exhibits, Closing, Charge, Law, Miscellaneous. The trial notebook is like a road map of the lawyer's case or defense.
  
  

Example of a Section

• As an example, in the witness section you would find the following information: A complete witness list that has all personal and contact information for the witness, copies of any statements they have given, and an outline of the the questions to be asked or points to be made with the witness.
  
  

Expandable File

• As a supplement to the trial notebook an expandable file is often used to keep clean copies of any evidence or exhibits that the lawyer plans to use. This makes a copy of the evidence readily available to be entered into court record and shown to jurors.