Course Description
This course is an introduction to the procedural, evidentiary and ethical requirements as well as persuasive trial techniques, involved in civil and criminal trials. Each week students act as trial counsel executing the various skills employed during the stages of a jury trial-jury selection, opening statements, direct examination, exhibits, cross-examination, impeachment and closing arguments. Student performances are reviewed and critiqued, and may be periodically videotaped. The first ten or eleven weeks of the course are devoted to problems which focus on specific trial skills. The remaining weeks are spent on trials, with students acting as trial counsel in complete jury trials. The course includes a weekly lecture and demonstration component.
Updated: 04/05/2011