Advocacy in the Courts

Catalog description

This course is designed to teach students advocacy skills and case processing dynamics through classroom simulations and experiential learning opportunities with practitioners in the criminal justice field. Through courtroom observations (virtual and in-person) and interactions with judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys in class, students will learn tactics and tips for effective advocacy from specialists in the field. Students will receive critique from judges and attorneys on various skills, including opening statements, closing statements, making objections, using demonstratives, and courtroom etiquette. Students will perform various advocacy roles in a New Jersey courthouse with a judge presiding. Student will have an opportunity to debrief with a court actor regarding their observations and experiences. The course culminates with a mock trial.