7741. Trial Advocacy, Intensive

This course is designed to teach the skills and techniques involved in the actual trial of a civil personal injury claim. It has been developed by the Connecticut Trial Lawyers' Association and it is taught by adjunct professors who are members of the Association. The class is coordinated with the National Student Trial Advocacy Competition of the American Association for Justice. This is an accelerated course that culminates with the AAJ Trial Advocacy Competition, held regionally in late February or early March. Students are assigned to teams and at various times assume the role of lawyer or witness, either for the plaintiff or the defendant, and must participate in the Competition to receive credit for the course. Prior to the competition, students receive classroom instruction covering topics such as case strategy and analysis, preparing opening statements and closing arguments, engaging in direct and cross examination of witnesses, preparing expert witnesses and writing trial documents, as well as practice of actual trial skills. Course enrollment is limited to eight students (because of the requirement of four person teams). Enrollment is by permission of the instructors only; candidates are recommended by the executive board of the UCONN Mock Trial Society. Pre or co-requisite: Evidence (7560).