Resources

Trial Manual

The Trial Manual for Defense Attorneys in Juvenile Delinquency Cases is intended as a guide for youth defense attorneys and provides a detailed chronological examination of each step in handling a delinquency case.

Prepared by Randy Hertz, Martin Guggenheim, & Anthony G. Amsterdam (2026 Edition).

Relatedly, the Trial Manual for the Defense of Criminal Cases, a guide for adult defense attorneys, is available here.
Legal Law concept - Open law book with a wooden judges gavel on table in a courtroom or law enforcement office. Copy space for text.
Trial Manual Cover
Trial Manual Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Nature of the Manual
Chapter 2: Intro to Delinquency Practice
Chapter 3: Before the Initial Hearing
Chapter 4: Initial Hearing
Chapter 5: Client Interview
Chapter 6: Case Planning
Chapter 7: Drafting Motions
Chapter 8: Investigation
Chapter 9: Pretrial Discovery
Chapter 10: Defense Trial Prep
Chapter 11: Expert Witnesses
Chapter 12: Mentally Ill & Intellectually Disabled Clients
Chapter 13: Transfer
Chapter 14: Guilty Pleas
Chapter 15: Speedy Trial Motions
Chapter 16: Motions Hearings
Chapter 17: Motions to Dismiss
Chapter 18: Severance Motions
Chapter 19: Diversion Motions
Chapter 20: Venue Change, Judicial Recusal
Chapter 21: Motions Related to Jury
Chapter 22: Suppression Hearings
Chapter 23: Motion to Suppress Evidence
Chapter 24: Statement Suppression Motions
Chapter 25: ID Suppression Motions
Chapter 26: Interlocutory Review
Chapter 27: Trial, General Characteristics
Chapter 28: Voir Dire
Chapter 29: Opening Statements
Chapter 30: Evidentiary Issues
Chapter 31: Prosecution Witnesses
Chapter 32: Motion for Acquittal
Chapter 33: Defense Case at Trial
Chapter 34: Objections
Chapter 35: Closing Stage of Bench Trial
Chapter 36: Closing Stage of Jury Trial
Chapter 37: Post-Verdict Proceedings
Chapter 38: Dispositions
Chapter 39: Appeal & Post-Disposition Proceedings
Trial Manual Table of Authorities
Trial Manual Index