defense attorney logic Flashcards
What is a False Binary?
A question that forces a limited choice between two options, when others exist.
Example: “Do you shut down or lash out?” Defense: “Are those the only two options?”
What is a Loaded Question?
A question that contains an unproven assumption.
Example: “Why are you afraid of intimacy?” Defense: “What makes you say I’m afraid?”
What is Burden Shifting?
When someone makes you prove or defend something they asserted.
Flip it back: “Are you suggesting that’s a fact? What evidence supports it?”
What is Frame Reversal?
When you challenge the foundation of a question instead of answering it.
Example: “Is this conversation meant to explore or assign judgment?”
What’s the defense to “Why do you always sabotage your progress?”
“I’m curious what makes you say that. Can we clarify what you’re calling sabotage?”
How do you reframe a personal attack question?
Separate the behavior from identity.
“Are we discussing an action or making a character judgment?”
Why is answering too quickly a trap?
It implies agreement with the premise.
Silence + clarification questions regain control.
What’s a good redirect for “Are you avoiding connection again?”
“What definition of ‘connection’ are we using here? And why is that the standard?”
What is a false premise trap?
A question built on something untrue. Expose it.
“That assumes X is true—can we examine that assumption?”
What’s the purpose of answering with a question?
To regain frame control, surface assumptions, and shift the pressure.
Classic defense strategy.
Flashcard – CARD 001: The False Binary
Front (Prompt):
Trap Question: “Do you usually shut down or lash out when you’re feeling vulnerable?”
What makes this a trap, and how do you respond like a defense attorney?
Back (Answer):
> Trap Type: False Binary
Why It’s a Trap:
It restricts you to two reactive options, both pathologizing. It implies dysfunction and pressures you to self-label.
Defense Attorney Response:
“There are more ways to respond to vulnerability than lashing out or shutting down. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Why It Works:
Refuses the limited frame without defensiveness
Redirects burden by posing a logical question
Maintains control through calm tone and curiosity
Sounds thoughtful and cooperative—but never trapped
Flashcard – CARD 002: The Loaded Question
Front (Prompt):
Trap Question: “Why are you afraid of intimacy?”
What makes this a trap, and how do you respond like a defense attorney?
Back (Answer):
Trap Type: Loaded Question
Why It’s a Trap:
Assumes the premise is true (that you’re afraid)
Skips over defining the key term (“intimacy”)
Forces you to defend against an unproven psychological claim
Defense Attorney Response:
“I’m curious—what does intimacy look like to you, and what makes you think I’m afraid of it?”
Why It Works:
Questions the framing term (“intimacy”)
Redirects burden to the questioner
Keeps tone calm and inquisitive, not reactive
Maintains frame control by not accepting the assumption as fact
Flashcard – CARD 003: The Burden Shift
Front (Prompt):
Trap Question: “What are you doing to fix your communication issues?”
What makes this a trap, and how do you respond like a defense attorney?
Back (Answer):
Trap Type: Burden Shifting
Why It’s a Trap:
Assumes a problem exists without proving it
Pressures you to take responsibility for a label you didn’t agree to
Forces you to fix something you haven’t defined
Defense Attorney Response:
“What specifically do you consider a communication issue?”
Why It Works:
Neutral tone keeps tension low
Shifts burden of definition back to the questioner
Refuses the unproven label without sounding defensive
Maintains composure and frame control
Flashcard – CARD 005: Character Framing
Front (Prompt):
Trap Question: “Is this just who you are?”
What makes this a trap, and how do you respond like a defense attorney?
Back (Answer):
Trap Type: Character Framing
Why It’s a Trap:
Assumes your flaws are fixed traits
Implies hopelessness and labels you as defective
Shifts focus from behavior to identity, making it harder to challenge
Defense Attorney Response:
“Curious. Are we discussing behavior, or are you assuming who I am is fixed?”
Why It Works:
Exposes identity bias baked into the question
Reframes the conversation around observable actions
Disarms judgment with curiosity, not defiance
Reinforces growth and complexity over static labeling
Flashcard – CARD 006: The Mirror Trap
Front (Prompt):
Trap Question: “Why do you think people have a hard time connecting with you?”
What makes this a trap, and how do you respond like a defense attorney?
Back (Answer):
Trap Type: Reflective Blame Framing
Why It’s a Trap:
Implies the problem is you
Presumes disconnection exists
Hides judgment inside a question of self-reflection
Defense Attorney Response:
“Where are you getting that connecting with me is difficult? And what do you mean by connecting?”
Why It Works:
Exposes the assumption without sounding defensive
Forces the other person to define vague language
Keeps emotional neutrality while asserting logic
Shifts the burden of proof off you and back where it belongs
What do you say when they use vague therapy buzzwords like ‘healing’ or ‘resistance’?
“How are we defining that?”
What do you say when they imply emotional motives without proof?
“Is that an observation or an assumption?”
What do you say when you sense a loaded or invasive question?
“What’s the intended goal of that question?”
What do you say when their language is fuzzy and non-specific?
“Can you be more specific?”
What do you do when a question feels like a trap or pressure play?
[Strategic Silence + Steady Eye Contact]
Say nothing immediately.
Force them to fill the space.
Control the tempo without leaking emotion.
What is a tip for using these responses effectively?
Speak slowly.
Maintain neutral face.
Let the burden stay on them.
