How well is Tomasz Kosowski actually cross-examining the witnesses in his murder trial? I take a close look at his courtroom technique and explain why some of his questions work while others demonstrate the risks of representing yourself.

I’m retired trial attorney Tony DeWitt, and in this video I use Kosowski’s questioning to explain some of the fundamental rules of effective cross-examination:

Why good cross-examination is usually built around leading questions
Why sometimes the smartest cross-examination is no cross-examination at all
The danger of asking a hostile witness, “What’s going on here?”
How Kosowski’s use of “I” may concede more than necessary
Why preparation matters when challenging phone and location evidence
What happens when a lawyer—or pro se defendant—fights with the witness
The dumpster timeline that may give Kosowski a legitimate argument

There are lessons here for anyone following the Kosowski trial, but there are also broader lessons about criminal trials, witness examination, digital evidence, and courtroom strategy. If you enjoy learning how trials really work rather than how television says they work, subscribe for more legal analysis and trial commentary.

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0:00 Introduction
1:03 About This Overview
1:24 Summary of the Facts
4:19 About Succinylcholine
5:56 Blood, Odors & DNA
6:21 Transport & Disposal
6:51 No Body, No Autopsy
7:19 Self-Representation
8:39 Bench Trial Issues
10:42 Judges Compartmentalize Evidence
11:27 Surgeons Are Often Poor Communicators
12:47 Kosowski's Tough Road
13:12 The State's Weaknesses
15:26 The State's Strengths
17:30 The State's Strengths
17:57 Outro