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Amygdala Hijack: Using Neuroscience to Save Your Witness

Learn how to prevent emotional hijacking of witnesses through neuroscience, ensuring clear and effective testimony in high-stress situations.

Created byNYS Academy of Trial Lawyers
BeginnerUpdated Feb 19, 2025
Amygdala Hijack: Using Neuroscience to Save Your Witness

What You'll Learn

check_circleUnderstand the concept of Amygdala Hijack and how it affects witness testimony.
check_circleLearn how strong emotions and stress responses influence memory and judgment during testimony.
check_circleDevelop methods to help witnesses maintain composure and stay on point when faced with aggressive questioning or high-pressure situations.
check_circleExplore the impact of lawyer actions (anger, confusion, humiliation) in triggering emotional responses in witnesses.

About This Course

Even the strongest cases can collapse under the weight of a poor witness. Join us as we discuss the latest science to help your witness overcome self-doubt and make their best impression.

Topics List:

  • Introduction to Amygdala Hijack and Its Impact
  • The Brain’s Pathways: The Long and Short Routes of Information Processing
  • The Role of the Amygdala and Cerebral Cortex in Emotional Responses
  • The Fight or Flight Response and Witness Meltdown
  • Understanding the Causes of Amygdala Hijack in Witnesses
  • How a Lawyer’s Approach Can Trigger an Amygdala Hijack
  • The Importance of Preventing Amygdala Hijack in Legal Proceedings
  • Emotional, Intellectual, and Physical Preparation for Witnesses
  • Using Mock Sessions to Prepare Witnesses Effectively
  • Strategies for Maintaining Witness Control During Testimony

Your Instructors

NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers
NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers
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The NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers is the largest statewide trial bar in the US with 5,700+ lawyer and judge members. We are committed to protecting, preserving and enhancing the civil justice system. Our highly acclaimed CLE programming features extraordinary presenters covering the most timely and important topics.

Carolyn  Rankin, Esq.
Carolyn Rankin, Esq.

Partner at Rankin Savidge, PLLC

Carolyn Rankin is a trial attorney who specializes in defending insured clients in casualty, motor vehicle, and construction accident cases. Ms. Rankin is best known for her successes in the courtroom. Over her 26-year career, her unorthodox approach to litigation has earned her clients many unexpected favorable verdicts. In 2005, Ms. Rankin joined an established Nassau County insurance defense firm as a senior trial attorney and was quickly promoted to partner in 2007. There, she continued to specialize in trials involving premises, automobile, trucking, construction, and insurance claims, trying over 35 cases to verdict. Her talents have earned her a reputation as the "go-to" person for troubled cases. Ms. Rankin was among the first attorneys in New York to use biomechanical experts at trial. She is now a specialist and leader in the field, having obtained numerous defense verdicts in damages trials involving the surgical repair of soft tissue injuries. In 2015, Ms. Rankin founded her own firm, and in 2017, she was joined by Edward J. Savidge. Since then, the firm has steadily grown to serve a multitude of preeminent insurance carriers, self-insurers, and private corporations across all boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties. At Rankin Savidge, PLLC, Ms. Rankin continues to represent and defend clients in personal injury cases. Additionally, she counsels and represents insurers in trials involving insurance coverage and contract disputes.

Christopher  Joslin, Esq.
Christopher Joslin, Esq.

Attorney at David Horowitz, PC

Chris Joslin has spent the past twenty-eight years working for the same firm, representing clients who have been seriously injured due to the negligence of others. He has obtained verdicts in significant personal injury and medical malpractice cases. Military Experience: United States Marine Corps; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; United States Marine Corps Reserve; National Defense Service Medal; Selective Marine Corps Reserve Medal; Meritorious Unit Citation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

We are a registered provider with 327+ associations and regulatory bodies worldwide. We operate across 29 global markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Every course page clearly displays its specific accreditations. Upon completion, you receive a professional certificate that can be validated online. Our certificates include all necessary accreditation details, credit hours, and completion dates, and are formatted specifically to meet the submission requirements of most global regulatory bodies.

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