PS 207 Trial Advocacy 1

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces the components of a trial in the American judicial system, and the role that the advocate plays. Examines basic trial advocacy techniques: direct and cross examination, opening and closing statements, and objections. Also provides an analysis of the proper use of evidence and exhibits in trial.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher); and completion of PS 201; or consent of instructor. (All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or better.)
Student Learning Outcomes:

Describe the trial process.
Analyze case facts and develop a case theory.
Compare the roles of direct and cross examination in a trial.
Explain the role of impeachment.
Distinguish between the role and content of opening and closing statements.
Identify common objections and the context in which they should be raised.

Content Outline

Trial Basics
- Trials and justice
- Trial procedures
- Demeanor
- Trial ethics
Case Analysis
- Idea of a persuasive story
- Ethics of persuasive storytelling
- Preparing a persuasive trial story
- Persuasion theory
Direct Examination
- Role of direct examination
- Law of direct examination
- Planning direct questions
- Questioning technique
- Ethics of direct examination
Cross Examination
- Role of cross examination
- Law of cross examination
- Content and organization of cross examination
- Questioning technique
- Ethics of cross examination
Impeachment
- Prior inconsistent statements
- Other prior inconsistencies
- Character impeachment
- Case data impeachment
Redirect Examination and Rehabilitation
- Purpose of redirect
- Law and procedure
- Planned redirect
- Conducting redirect
Objections
- Making the record
- Objections
- Ethics and Objections
- Common Objections
Foundations and Exhibits
- Evidentiary foundations
- Foundations for testimonial evidence
- Exhibits
- Foundations for real and demonstrative evidence
- Foundations for documents
- Persuasive use of exhibits
Opening Statements
- Role of the opening statement
- Law of opening statements
- Structure and element
- Content
- Delivery and technique
Closing Statements
- Role and function of the closing statement
- Format
- Structure
- Delivery and technique
- Ethics and objections