This course is intended to prepare and train students in advocacy skills for litigation. It is graded on a pass/D/fail basis, with top 10% of class receiving “honors” designation. The principal method of instruction is “Learning By Doing.” The students participate in intensive role playing of simulated trial problems. Subjects covered during the course are: opening statements; direct and cross examination; exhibits and demonstrative evidence; impeachment and rehabilitation; examination of expert witnesses; closing arguments; and trial notebook. Members of the faculty give demonstration performances. Each student is videotaped at least once, is critiqued by a faculty member and then reviews his or her performance on videotape. A student-faculty ratio of 4 or 5 to one is maintained to insure that each student receives individual attention. The faculty includes experienced trial lawyers and judges, who rotate through each section so that students will be exposed to a variety of views and ideas. Each student tries a jury trial at the conclusion of the course. The course has a limited enrollment. Open to 3Ls only in the fall. Evidence is a co-requisite. Note: In addition to the regularly scheduled class, a special presentation will be scheduled on a date to be announced. The course is supervised by Lynn M. Luker, Of Counsel at Stanley, Reuter, Ross, Thornton & Alford and Scott Bickford, the principal of Martzell and Bickford. Students absent without valid excuse or unprepared for class will be penalized.

Semester

Multiple sections

Instructor(s)

Castaing & Galante (Co directors, Fall 2019); Bickford & Luker (Co-directors, Spring 2020)

Academic Area(s)

Litigation & Procedure

Experiential Courses

—Clinics