Trial Advocacy

This course is designed to give students an opportunity to coordinate their knowledge of procedure and evidence with their knowledge of substantive law in a realistic and dramatic setting, with the aim of developing some facility in the techniques of trial practice. Problems demonstrated or otherwise raised for consideration include the following: interviews with clients; investigation of a case, personally and through investigators; use of experts such as physicians, engineers, and photographers; evaluation and settlement of cases; choice of court and method of trial; initiating the action; depositions, disclosures, discovery, and other pretrial preparations; selection of jury; opening statements; order of trial; effective presentation of evidence; selective trial tactics; arguments to the jury; requests to charge the jury; use of motions before and after trial. Throughout the course, stress will be placed on the proper discharge of the attorney's functions and responsibilities in a professional manner.

Course Schedule

  • Date: Monday 3:30-6:30PM
  • Location: ST204

Course Information

  • Catalog number-Section number: 7740-02
  • Course Type: Practicum
  • Prerequisites: Pre or co-requisite: Evidence (7560).
  • Credits (min/max): 3/3
  • Notes: This is an intensive trial skills class. Students will develop competence in each element of trial advocacy: direct and cross-examination, handling fact and expert witnesses, delivering opening statements and closing arguments, objections, and effectively using real and demonstrative evidence. Students will learn these skills through weekly exercises and, later, preparing and trying two model cases. Evidence is strongly recommended because this class does not address the substantive law of evidence.
  • Subjects:

Enrollment

  • Enrollment status: Closed
  • Current enrollment/capacity: 14/14
  • Reserve population/capacity: 0/0
  • Waitlist enrollment/capacity: 14/50

Grading

  • Grade basis: Graded
  • Satisifies Writing Requirement: No
  • Exam type: NO EXAM