Trial Advocacy Program

Students interested in honing their Trial Advocacy skills should plan on enrolling in Evidence at the first opportunity, as a pre-requisite for the Trial Advocacy I course that is offered each semester.

TRIAL ADVOCACY I

TRIAL ADVOCACY I covers the preparation and trial of a simulated case from the pleadings to verdict and judgment. The work in the course is divided into three parts. A two-hour weekly class meeting, a two-hour small group meeting (limited to 8 students) and the complete trial of a simulated case. The class meetings consist primarily of lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. In the small group meetings, students perform exercises in trial skills. The full trials are held in the courtroom and conducted before judges and juries. Enrollment each semester is limited to a total of 64 students. Trial Advocacy I is a third year priority course in the Fall semester, and a second-year priority course in the Spring semester. In each semester, seats are set aside pro rata for full-time and part-time students.

TRIAL ADVOCACY II

TRIAL ADVOCACY II builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in Trial Advocacy I. At least two sections are offered each semester, limited to 12 students a piece. Students should check the registration materials for further information on specific topics (criminal law, negligence, products liability, etc.) addressed in each section.

TRIAL ADVOCACY COMPETITIONS

In addition, students may participate in a number of trial advocacy competitions including the National Trial Advocacy Competition co-sponsored by the Texas Young Lawyer’s Association and the American College of Trial Lawyers, or the The Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition sponsored by the National Black Law Student Association. Students participating in these competitions may be eligible for credit, subject to recommendation by the team advisor.

Semester Guide Spring 2008