[cherry]

if you have the facts, pound the facts, if you have the law, pound the law, if you have neither, pound the table.....

perfect explanation of todays politics.

and often, pounding the table produces just as much as the other two, maybe more...

[goldbux]

The original phrasing is better, since it describes a tactical choice.

If your case is strong (facts + law), use a calm, rational, easy-to-follow, compelling narrative to persuade the jurors that they must deliver a verdict favorable to your client.

If you have a weak or hopeless case (obviously guilty), might as well pound the table in a theatrical attempt to persuade [at least one] juror to have mercy on your despicable client.

Depends on the mix of jurors, too.

I was [twice] the foreman of a county jury in criminal cases, ( [Sr] & [Zr] ) years ago. In both cases, all the male jurors argued logic, and all the ladies wailed emotionally, just as the attorneys anticipated.

These experiences taught me that diacetlylmorphine is heroin.