This foundational civil-and-criminal trial advocacy course introduces students to the theories and approaches to case theory and trial strategy. Students will learn the skills of persuasion and rhetoric, trial planning, trial process, jury composition, evidence, advocacy, addressing jurors, examining witnesses, visual persuasion. Through simulated exercises, students practice and master the basic techniques of advocacy at trial: voir dire examination, opening statements, closing arguments, direct examination, cross examination, exhibit handling, offering and objecting to evidence, presenting and combating expert witnesses. In addition, the course emphasizes the transferrable skills of public speaking and courtroom presence.
