Fall 2005 Course Schedule

Appellate Advocacy (LAW-847-002)
Sarshik & Norcross

Meets: 06:00 PM - 07:50 PM (M) - Room 504

Enrolled: 13 / Limit: 11

Administrator Access


Notices

There are no notices at this time.

Description

Covers appellate advocacy in civil cases, with an emphasis on federal courts. The bulk of the course is devoted to brief writing and oral argument techniques. Also provides an overview of appellate procedure, including jurisdiction, finality, the collateral order doctrine, interlocutory appeals, mandamus, standards of review, and issue preservation and harmless error.

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.

In addition to the text, the course materials include a course packet containing information needed to complete the assignments in this course. There is also, in a separate packet, the Record on Appeal for the model case that you’ll brief and argue during the semester. Both of these should be purchased in the office of the Faculty Secretariat on the fourth floor. Don’t worry if the Record on Appeal is not ready before the class begins.

First Class Readings

Please read the assignment for Week 1 on the syllabus that you can download below. Also, we’d like each of you to sign up to make a brief (about 2-5 min.) presentation on one of the seven cases listed for the first two classes. (Think of it as an early chance to stand up and practice your oral presentation skills.) Each of you will present either (a) the facts and the issue, or (b) the court’s holding and analysis, for one of these cases: (1) Cohen v. Beneficial; (2) Sears, Roebuck; (3) Endicott Johnson; (4) Union Oil; (5) Cunningham; (6) Petties; (7) Arenholz. (The cases are reprinted in your course packet, and the citations are in the syllabus.) Please let us know what you’d like to present – which case, and whether you’d like to present (a) or (b). Contact Professor Norcross at knorcross@wcl.american.edu, (202) 736-0124. Choices will be honored on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can let us know a second or third choice in case your first choice has already been taken. You can contact us as late as mid-afternoon on Monday, August 22 to be assigned to a presentation. Be forewarned: Anyone who doesn’t do this in advance may be called on during the first class to make a presentation.

Syllabus

Use your MyAU username and password to access the syllabus in the following format(s):