S. Trial Practice

Course Information

Course Number
L9175
Curriculum Level
Upperclass
Areas of Study
Criminal Law and Procedure, Leadership, Legal Profession and Professional Responsibility
Type
Simulation
Additional Attributes
Experiential Credit

Section 003 Information

Instructor

Section Description

In this seminar, students work with real criminal court discovery materials to prepare, execute and critique each of the important segments of a criminal trial, and learn the important interplay of courtroom advocacy skills and legal analysis. Throughout the semester will acquire the skills to develop a theory of the case, make an argue in regard to bail and the use of prior convictions at trial, prepare for and conduct jury selection, deliver opening statements, prepare witnesses for direct and cross examination, and deliver a closing statement.

In preparation for the simulated trial exercises, seminar sessions will focus on particular trial skills such as witness preparation, objections, impeachment and use of exhibits. In addition, the students will read and apply law on substantive criminal offenses, evidentiary issues, jury selection, ethical issues and use of experts. The seminar will also address ethical issues in criminal practice with particular attention given to the ABA Standards for Defense and Prosecution Functions. The teaching methods include, courtroom observations, classroom discussions, peer critique, drafting a sentencing memorandum, lectures and simulation exercises.

It does not fulfill the legal writing requirement.

School Year & Semester
Fall 2023
Location
JGH 102a
Schedule
Class meets on
  • Tuesday
6:20 pm - 9:10 pm
Points
3
Method of Evaluation
Other
J.D Writing Credit?
No

Learning Outcomes

Primary
  • Understanding of various lawyering skills, incl. opening & closing statements, techniques & approaches to witness examinations, introduction of evidence, & case theory & planning. Specific focus on pragmatic & effective communication of themes & evidence.
Secondary
  • Understanding of various lawyering skills, incl. opening & closing statements, techniques & approaches to witness examinations, introduction of evidence, & case theory & planning. Specific focus on pragmatic & effective communication of themes & evidence.

Course Limitations

Instructor Pre-requisites
Evidence
Instructor Co-Requisites
None
Recommended Courses
None
Other Limitations
None

Additional Section for S. Trial Practice

Section 001

School Year & Semester

Fall 2023

Instructor

Location

JGH 102a

Schedule

Class meets on
  • Wednesday

Points

3

Section 002

School Year & Semester

Fall 2023

Instructor

Location

JGH 107

Schedule

Class meets on
  • Monday

Points

2

Section 001

School Year & Semester

Spring 2024

Instructors

Location

JGH 102a

Schedule

Class meets on
  • Tuesday

Points

2

Section 002

School Year & Semester

Spring 2024

Instructors

Location

JGH 102b

Schedule

Class meets on
  • Wednesday

Points

3

Section 003

School Year & Semester

Spring 2024

Instructors

Location

JGH 102b

Schedule

Class meets on
  • Monday

Points

2

Section 004

School Year & Semester

Spring 2024

Instructor

Location

WJWH 309

Schedule

Class meets on
  • Wednesday

Points

3
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