Trial Advocacy Program

Students interested in honing their Trial Advocacy skills should plan on enrolling in Evidence at the first opportunity, as a pre-requisite for the Trial Advocacy I course that is offered each semester.

TRIAL ADVOCACY I

TRIAL ADVOCACY I covers the preparation and trial of a simulated case. The work in the course is divided into three parts. A two-hour weekly class meeting, a two-hour small group meeting (limited to 8 students) and the trial of a simulated case. The class meetings consist primarily of lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. In the small group meetings, students perform exercises in trial skills. The full trials are held in the courtroom and conducted before juries. Trial Advocacy I is a third year priority course in the Fall semester, and a second-year priority course in the Spring semester. In each semester, seats are set aside pro rata for full-time and part-time students.

TRIAL ADVOCACY II

TRIAL ADVOCACY II builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in Trial Advocacy I. At least two sections are offered each semester, limited to 12 students a piece.

TRIAL ADVOCACY COMPETITIONS

In addition, students may participate in a number of trial advocacy competitions. Students participating in these competitions may be eligible for credit, subject to recommendation by the team advisor.