Paul Bergman

Paul Bergman

UCLA Law School Professor

Paul Bergman is a Professor of Law Emeritus at the UCLA School of Law and a recipient of two University Distinguished Teaching Awards. His books include Nolo’s Deposition Handbook (with Moore, Nolo); Reel Justice: The Courtroom Goes to the Movies (with Asimow, Andrews McMeel); Trial Advocacy: Inferences, Arguments, Techniques (with Moore and Binder, West Publishing Co.); Trial Advocacy in a Nutshell (West Publishing Co.); Represent Yourself in Court: Prepare & Try a Winning Case (with Berman, Nolo); Depositions in a Nutshell (with Moore, Binder, and Light, West Publishing Co.); Lawyers as Counselors: A Client-Centered Approach (with Binder, Tremblay, and Weinstein, West Publishing Co.); Cracking the Case Method (with Goodman and Holm, West Academic Publishing); Evidence Law and Practice (with Friedland and Benham, Carolina Academic Press); and You Matter: Ten Spiritual Commitments for a Richer and More Meaningful Life (with Rabbi Mark Borovitz, AuthorHouse). Paul has also published numerous articles in law journals. And, using clips from law-related films, he regularly gives presentations to lawyers, judges, and community groups.

Articles By Paul Bergman

Can I Claim Self-Defense If I Hit Someone First?
Even as the first person to use force, it’s possible to act in self-defense.
What Do Judges Actually Do?
The judge, the man or woman seated at the bench wearing a black gown (called a robe), typically does some or all of the following:
Felonies, Misdemeanors, and Infractions: Classifying Crimes
In every state, crimes are put into distinct categories. The categories are usually "felony," "misdemeanor," and "infraction."
When Does it Make Sense to Waive the Preliminary Hearing?
When does it make sense to waive the preliminary hearing?
Underage Drinking and Minor-in-Possession Laws
Underage-drinking laws and other criminal statutes punish minors who are illegally in possession of alcohol.
Discovery: What and When the Prosecution Must Disclose
Discovery is the process through which defendants find out about the prosecution's case.
Your Right to Represent Yourself in a Criminal Case
You must be legally "competent" before a judge will allow you to represent yourself in a criminal trial.
Expunging or Sealing an Adult Criminal Record
Depending on the crime and your progress in your sentencing, you may be able to seal arrest or conviction records.
Handling Cross-Examination
Witnesses facing questioning by a hostile prosecutor should stay calm and focus only on the questions.
Assault, Battery, and Aggravated Assault
The crimes of assault, assault and battery, and aggravated assault carry different definitions and punishments.