Category: Criminal Procedure

Opposition research (oppo) is the art of defining a challenge. How can you possibly know the scope of any potential adversarial interaction if you don’t know all there is to know about your opponent? Oppo is generally conducted by political consultants and corporate reputation managers who dig into the background of potential political and business adversaries. Opposition researchers also dig into their client’s backgrounds in preparation for high-profile political and corporate activities. It’s the surest way to find out what’s out there about your opponent and yourself, for better or worse.

Criminal defense attorneys are at a distinct disadvantage when they fail to research their legal adversary, the district attorney. District attorneys are not the mere representatives of the State. They are in fact politicians–bought and paid for by tax-exempt political donations. They have political ambitions, and if you think they leave those ambitions at the courthouse door in order to pursue justice—think again. All district attorneys want to further their political careers, and they don’t get elected judge, or even better, attorney general, unless they bring their politics into the courtroom with them. What you don’t know about the district attorney you’re dealing with could cost your client their freedom and you your reputation as a criminal defense attorney. Case in point: State of Wisconsin vs. Christopher A. Wicks (more…)