[blindlaw] Best Tech for Oral Arguments

Kelby Carlson kelbycarlson at gmail.com
Mon Apr 18 16:14:30 UTC 2016


Funny enough, I have been considering getting a slate and stylus for the reasons you stated. Although I have never used one before, so it will probably be slow at first.

----- Original Message -----
From: Brian Unitt via BlLaw  <blindlaw at nfbnet.org>
To: Blind Law Mailing List  <blindlaw at nfbnet.org>
Date: Monday, April 18, 2016 12:03 pm
Subject: Re: [bllaw] Best Tech for Oral Arguments

>
>
> This is a great thread with many good insights.
> 
> I have been doing appellate work and arguing dispositive motions in the trial courts for over thirty years. I started out using slate and stylus until 2003, used a Notetaker for about 10 years, and then an iPad with Braille Display. I am now back to the slate and stylus.  It does take a bit more time in preparation but that is an aid to memorization which is the best resource in effective argument anyway.  The thing about slate and stylus is that it is much less failure prone than the technological solutions, allows you to be more focused on the judges and their questions, and for me is easier to take notes with than a braille keyboard.  By the way, I have always used the paper from an 8.5x11 legal pad rather than the heavier standard Braille paper. The result is more perishable, but it allows for much faster writing, and lasts long enough to get through the argument and any subsequent proceedings where you might need to refer back to your notes.
> 
> I usually make a short outline of the key points I want to make, and then a separate page or pages of key quotes and citations to back up my position. Often the outline does not survive the first few questions, but I can refer back to it as my time runs out to make sure I get in all the points if they still seem worthwhile. I think the bottom line is that whatever system you use needs to give you the confidence that it will not fail when you need it, and offer the least distraction to what you need to be focused on which is the interaction with the judge or judges.
> 
> Best regards,
> 
> Brian
> Brian C. Unitt
> Holstein, Taylor and Unitt
> A Professional Corporation
> 4300 Latham Street, Suite 103
> Riverside, CA 92501
> Tel: 951-682-7030
> Fax: 951-684-8061
> www.holsteinlaw.com
> mailto:brianunitt at holsteinlaw.com
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: BlLaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Stewart, Christopher K via BlLaw
> Sent: Friday, April 15, 2016 6:03 AM
> To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Stewart, Christopher K <chris.stewart at uky.edu>
> Subject: Re: [bllaw] Best Tech for Oral Arguments
> 
> Hey Folks,
> 
> Of course, it's to each their own, but the best strategy for guiding my oral arguments is actual, hand-written braille notes. This has two advantages, the typing of the notes helps to reinforce your familiarity with your argument and its factual/legal backing. And, you have the freedom of the entire page.
> 
> I use relatively short paragraphs with a space between so I can run my fingers down the page and have guideposts for where I am. Usually, I keep one page in the back that is nothing but case citations, just in case someone decides to ask for a full cite. This rarely happens in practice from what I understand, but it frequently happens on mmoot courts in law school.
> 
> If you have more than a 15 or 20 minute argument, I would advise putting your notes into a notebook with braille tabs to help you structure your argument. When it's time to move to issue two, simply turn to the tab with issue two brailled on it, and "bingo!" Technology is a wonderful tool, but I think the single-line nature of refreshable braille display is a huge disadvantage in oral arguments.
> 
> Best,
> Chris
> 
> 
> -
> Chris K. Stewart
> University of Kentucky College of Law, J.D. Candidate Senior Staff Editor, Kentucky Law Journal Co-President, American Constitution Society President, Election Law Society California Institute of the Arts, B.F.A. 2010
> Ph:
> (502(457-1757
> 
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