LAW599

Advanced Criminal Trial Advocacy

(Sparks, Tate & Steeves)

Prerequisite courses: 

Prerequisite for:

Instructor(s): Michael Sparks, Lindsay Tate & Curtis Steeves

Course credit: 3

Method of presentation: Lecture 

METHOD OF EVALUATION

Participation – 5%

In-Class Exercises – 15%

Major Moot Court Trial – 50%

Final Take Home Exam – 30%

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course delivers the various practical skills necessary to conduct a criminal trial (jury and non-jury). The course will teach basic trial advocacy skills (examination- in- chief and cross-examination) and build to developing more advanced skills (impeachment of witnesses, objections, use of exhibits) and teaching how to structure and deliver opening and closing arguments. Utilizing actual criminal case scenarios, students will be actively involved, both as Crown counsel and as Counsel for the Accused, in preparing and conducting different phases of a criminal trial. The course will integrate written components (case preparation, analysis of substantive issues, and identification of procedural requirements and development of trial strategy) with oral advocacy exercises. In the major moot court exercise, students will conduct a criminal trial in front of a guest Justice. The final written take home exam will require students to draw upon knowledge and skills developed during the course to review and analyze disclosure and prepare a comprehensive “trial book”.

SPECIAL COMMENTS

Description updated 2024-25. Please contact the instructor for any specific questions you may have related to this particular course section.

REQUIRED TEXTS (IF ANY):

None.  Stuesser’s An Advocacy Primer 3rd edition is recommended