Moment during a trial that radically shifts the likely outcome
Perry Mason as portrayed by Warren William (centre) in The Case of the Lucky Legs (1935).
In court proceedings in the United States, a Perry Mason moment is said to have occurred whenever information is unexpectedly (to most present), and often dramatically, introduced into the record that changes the perception of the proceedings greatly and often influences the outcome. Often it takes the form of a witness's answer to a question, but it can sometimes come in the form of new evidence. It takes its name from Perry Mason, a fictional character in novels and stories written by Erle Stanley Gardner, where such dramatic reversals occurred, often in the form of witnesses confessing to crimes others were accused of in response to the sudden exposure of an inconsistency in their alibi.
Because of modern discovery requirements, Perry Mason moments are rare in actual American court proceedings. Both sides are largely aware of what the other plans to introduce as evidence, and judges usually stay or continue proceedings when a party informs the court it has uncovered new evidence, in order that the opposing party be sufficiently prepared.[1] Lawyers, too, prefer not to ask witnesses questions when they do not have a good idea what the response will be. Perry Mason moments that do occur, such as those on live television during the first Menéndez brothers trial and the O. J. Simpson trial, are often the result of careful planning by the lawyers involved. Gambles by lawyers have also resulted in Perry Mason moments, sometimes not for their side, and some have occurred completely spontaneously.
^Douglas Abrams, References to Television Shows in Judicial Opinions and Written Advocacy (Part I), 75 J.Mo.B. 25, 27 (2019).
and 24 Related for: Perry Mason moment information
In court proceedings in the United States, a PerryMasonmoment is said to have occurred whenever information is unexpectedly (to most present), and often...
This is a list of episodes for PerryMason, an American legal drama series that aired on CBS television for nine seasons (September 21, 1957 – May 22...
responsible for their mother's death. The trial included a famous PerryMasonmoment when Eric Dubin, the attorney for Bakley's family, called the girlfriend...
mystery film directed by William Clemens and starring Donald Woods as PerryMason and Ann Dvorak as Della Street, his secretary. Edward McWade plays the...
six PerryMason films Warner Bros. made between the years 1934 and 1937. The film stars Warren William and Mary Astor. William would star as Mason in the...
mystery film, the second in a series of four starring Warren William as PerryMason, following The Case of the Howling Dog. The script was based on the 1934...
Case of the Lucky Legs is a 1935 mystery film, the third in a series of PerryMason films starring Warren William as the famed lawyer. Margie Clune wins...
Théâtre", a track on the 2005 album Soleil 12 by Forgas Band Phenomena PerryMasonmoment, when information is unexpectedly and dramatically introduced In court...
been doing this business for a long time, rarely do you get that PerryMasonmoment. When the guy comes and just says, You know what? I'm the top briefer...
Ellyse Alexandra Perry (born 3 November 1990) is an Australian sportswoman who has represented her country in cricket and soccer. Having debuted for both...
guest-starred in several popular shows, including Alfred Hitchcock Presents, PerryMason, The Fugitive, Bewitched, and The Real McCoys. One of her recurring roles...
Shirley on the TV series Dan Raven. In 1965, she played Myra Finlay in the PerryMason episode "The Case of the Cheating Chancellor". Other credits include...
PerryMason Returns (1985) (TV) PerryMason: The Case of the Notorious Nun (1986) (TV) PerryMason: The Case of the Shooting Star (1986) (TV) Perry Mason:...
August 7, 2011. Mason, Melanie. "Rick Perry understated drug company campaign cash". Los Angeles Times, September 13, 2011. "Rick Perry reverses himself...
Essays by Tim Mason, edited by Jane Caplan, 1995. Blackbourn 1990, p. 3. Nolan 1997, p. 244. Blackbourn 1990, p. 3; Perry 1999, p. 780. Perry 1999, p. 780...
of Justice (November 10, 1985) PerryMason Returns (December 1, 1985) Return to Mayberry (April 13, 1986) PerryMason: The Case of the Notorious Nun (May...
residents of Riverdale. This season is the last one to feature Luke Perry as Fred Andrews, Perry passed away on March 4, 2019 almost at the completion of the...
several other television shows. She can be seen in two 1959 episodes of PerryMason, portraying Hannah Barton in "The Case of the Deadly Toy" and in the...
William Marshall Mason (born 15 April 1980), also nicknamed "Big Willie", is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 2000s and...
at the last minute not to play himself. He made five appearances on PerryMason, including that of defendant Peter Dawson in the 1960 episode, "The Case...
Miller, Bernard McNamee, Stephen Moore, Mora Namdar, Peter Navarro, William Perry Pendley, Diana Furchtgott-Roth, Kiron Skinner, Roger Severino, Hans von...
lesson." Mason's response was viewed as especially critical of Grace. Asked about Mason's comments, Grace said, "[I]f for some chance, Cheney Mason is referring...
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