S. Trial Practice

Course Information

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

Section 002 Information

Instructor

Section Description

Instructors: Marnie Zien, Legal Aid Society, and Naima Gregory, Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem

Pre- or Co-requisite: L6241 Evidence.

Enrollment limited to 12 students, attendance is mandatory.

This course will introduce students to the criminal trial process, teach foundational knowledge applicable to trial skills, and provide opportunities for students to practice those trial skills in simulations based on criminal cases. Trial skills topics include direct and cross examination, opening statements and closing arguments, and voir dire.

Each trial skills topic will be taught through a combination of lecture, discussion and simulation. The format for each trial skill topic begins with a lecture, which is used to anchor and facilitate discussion in the class. Students will be expected to have completed assigned readings so that they may participate in class discussion. Following the discussion portion of each topic, there will be simulation exercises focused on a specific trial skill. The simulation portions of the classes will occur the week after the lecture, thus giving students a week to prepare the required assignment based on a specific fact pattern. Written materials prepared for the simulation are required to be submitted. Simulation format may be the entire group, or break-out groups. Feedback will be given immediately following simulation exercises. The course is centered around the ideas that one learns by doing; repeated practice is the best way to learn; and certain core principles-- adequate preparation, effective organization, and proper execution-- guide the practitioner through all stages of a trial.

Students will be evaluated based on a combination of class participation, simulation exercises and written materials, and a mock trial as a final exam.

This course is taught by two public defenders practicing in the five boroughs. There may be opportunity for in-court observation as well.

School Year & Semester
Spring 2024
Location
JGH 102b
Schedule
Class meets on
  • Wednesday
6:20 pm - 9:10 pm
Points
3
Method of Evaluation
Other
J.D Writing Credit?
No

Learning Outcomes

Primary
  • At the end of the course, students will have acquired understanding of and/or facility in various lawyering skills, including techniques and approaches to witness examinations, introduction of evidence, jury addresses, and case theory and planning.
  • At the end of the course, students will have increased their listening skills and their comfort in performing "on their feet" in a courtroom situation.
Secondary
  • At the end of the course, students will have acquired and understanding of and/or facility in ethical and professional issues associated with the trial process.

Course Limitations

Instructor Pre-requisites
L6241 Evidence
Instructor Co-Requisites
L6241 Evidence
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 003

School Year & Semester

Fall 2023

Instructors

Location

JGH 102a

Schedule

Class meets on
  • Tuesday

Points

3

Section 001

School Year & Semester

Spring 2024

Instructors

Location

JGH 102a

Schedule

Class meets on
  • Tuesday

Points

2

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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