LAW4310 - Trial practice and advocacy - 2017

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.

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.

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%

Compulsory Attendance*: Pass/Fail

The consequence of not meeting the hurdle requirement of 100% attendance will be a 0 N result.

*Exemption from 100% attendance may be awarded in mitigating circumstances. Applications are to be addressed by email to the CE with supporting documentation and will be assessed on an individual basis.

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Professor the Hon George Hampel QC

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