LAW5127 - Trial practice and advocacy 506

Leader: Professor the Hon George Hampel QC

Offered

Clayton First semester 2007 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2007 (Day)

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.

Objectives

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 theories, prepared jointly by students and both students receiving the same mark (1000 words): 2 x 5%
Oral assessment (trial): 20%
Final oral assessment: 70%

Contact hours

4 x 2 hour lectures followed by 3 x 3 hour workshops and attendance at 8 mock trials (one 3 hour lecture per week)

Prerequisites

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

Co-requisites

LAW5159