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Chicago attorney Terence F. MacCarthy, executive director of the Federal Defender Program in Chicago since its inception in 1966, has put his extensive experience in conducting trials on paper.

His new book, “MacCarthy on Cross-Examination,” just published by the American Bar Association, focuses on the critical area of dealing with key witnesses who may or not be cooperative.

He offers persuasive techniques, such as telling a story by asking questions and eliciting answers, and explains how to manage a witness without appearing controlling, extracting or insulting.

A Laureate of the ISBA Academy of Illinois Lawyers, MacCarthy has taught his well-known trial practice seminar to capacity audiences in the Illinois State Bar Association's Law Ed Master Series, and has been a guest lecturer in legal symposiums across the country.

A former Marine lieutenant, he is a 1960 graduate of the DePaul University College of Law.

Paperback copies of MacCarthy's book may be obtained by calling (800) 285-2221 and citing product code 1610163. The price is $99.95 for ABA members and $129.95 for other purchasers.

Marc Falkoff, an assistant professor at the Northern Illinois University College of Law, has compiled a collection of poetry obtained during his representation of 17 Yemeni men detained by the United States at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

“Poems from Guantanamo: The Detainees Speak” is derived from his experiences as one of the first U.S. civilians to travel to the military prison camp and meet with occupants, and his 10 subsequent visits as habeas corpus counsel.

A 2001 graduate of the Columbia University Law School, Falkoff was an associate at Covington & Burling in New York City. At Guantanamo, he became interested in poignant verse written by the detainees about captivity.

The collection of 22 poems in the book gives voice to Falkoff's 17 clients. Several pro bono attorneys helped gain scrutiny of every line and declassification by Pentagon officials.

“The significance of these poems is to remind us that these are human beings,” Falkoff said, “not enemy combatants as mislabeled by our government, which has yet to charge them with anything.

“You will not find hatred in these poems. But you will find hope, disappointment, disillusionment and faith as these men try to make sense of this horrible time in their lives.”