Trial Practice

Catalog description

Max Credit: (Max. 3) Trial Practice is a rigorous learn-by-doing course designed to build courtroom skills. Through a combination of exercises, lectures, demonstrations, drills and complete trials, students are prepared to advocate before judges and juries. The first half of the course focuses on basic examination and exhibit skills, including direct, cross, redirect, making and responding to objections, and the introduction and use of real and demonstrative evidence. In the sixth week, students conduct bench trials. The second half of the course builds on the basic skills and covers advanced ones, including examination of expert witnesses, opening statement, closing argument and voir dire. Jury trials are conducted in the final two weeks.