Undergraduate - UnitLAW5127 - Trial practice and advocacy 506

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Synopsis

Introductory lectures on basic advocacy concepts and techniques are conducted by Professor Hampel or by a senior member of the judiciary or the bar. Students participate in three workshops dealing with examination in chief, cross-examination and addresses. These workshops are conducted by advocacy teachers who are members of the Victorian bar and are trained Australian Advocacy Institute teachers. A series of eight mock jury trials are then conducted. Students must participate as counsel in one of these trials, and attend all others. This unit is subject to a quota. Applications are available from the Law Faculty website.

Outcomes

1. To introduce students to trial practice and the role of the advocate in the adversary system;
2. To introduce students to basic advocacy skills and techniques in: conceptualisation and preparation, opening and closing addresses, examination of witnesses, cross examination, and communication skills in the court room;
3. To assess students' understanding of these skills and ability to perform them at a basic level.

Assessment

Written case theory for final assessment, prepared jointly by students and both students receiving the same mark (500 words): 10%
Oral assessment (jury trial): 20%
Final oral assessment (assessment trial): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Professor the Hon George Hampel QC

Contact hours

Two (evening) classes per week, consisting of 4 x 2-3 hour lectures, 3 x 3 hour workshops and 8 mock trials.

Prerequisites

LAW1100 or LAW1101 and LAW1102 or LAW1104; LAW3300 or LAW3301 and LAW3302