Spring 2019 Course Schedule

Civil Trial Advocacy (Meets at DC Superior Court) (LAW-695-001)
Erik Christian, Cristina Hillyer

Meets: 06:00 PM - 08:50 PM (M) - Room TBD

Enrolled: 12 / Limit: 14

Administrator Access


Notices

Pre-requisite: Civil Procedure (LAW-501), Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: Evidence (LAW-633). Assessment: Preparation for and presentation of in-class trial simulations, Self-assessment through video review, Final exam: performance during a full trial before a siting judge and citizen jurors. This course meets at the D.C. Superior Court.

Description

The Civil Trial Advocacy course is based on trial simulations, practical instruction, learning by doing, and feedback from faculty and fellow students. The course focuses on case theory, trial strategy and tactics, opening statements, examination of witnesses, and closing arguments. In this course student-attorneys try three fictitious cases. Students try the final case in a courtroom before a real judge and jury panel of undergraduate students. Cases are tried under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence. Each section has two instructors, a judge and a law professor or attorney experienced in litigation. Special features of these classes are in-class discussions by a professional actor on the use of techniques to communicate more effectively and a homicide detective on the basics of criminal investigations.

Textbooks and Other Materials

The textbook information on this page was provided by the instructor. Students should use this information when considering purchases from the AU Campus Store or other vendors. Students may check to determine if books are currently available for purchase online.

National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) Casefiles: Evans v. Washingtonia State University (2014); Potter v. Shrackle and the Shrackle Construction Co. (6th edition, 2012); and Flinders Aluminum v. Mismo Fire Insurance (10th Ed., 2017) and Text: Trial Techniques and Trials, Thomas A. Mauet (10th Ed., 2017) (Wolters Kluwer)

First Class Readings

Not available at this time.