Trial Advocacy Program
The Trial Advocacy Program at Boston University introduces students to the structure of the trial process and gives them personal training in the skills needed by trial lawyers. Small sections are taught by some of the leading judges and practitioners in New England who use simulated cases to teach students the realities of the courtroom. At the end of the semester, each student performs as counsel in a simulated trial. Instructors are given discretion, but most sections cover opening statements and closing arguments, the preparation of witnesses, developing a theory of the case, objections, introduction of real and documentary evidence and expert witnesses, as well as direct and cross-examination.
Courses
Trial Advocacy: LAW JD 894
3 credits
This course introduces the student to the structure of the trial process and the skills used by trial lawyers. The topics covered range from opening statements to closing arguments, including conducting direct and cross-examination of witnesses, making and meeting objections, introducing documents and discovery into evidence, and using hypothetical questions with expert witnesses. Students must perform simulated exercises and will try one or more civil or criminal cases before a jury. Visit the web for more information on the instructors. PREREQUISITE: EVIDENCE. Students taking TRIAL ADVOCACY in the second semester of their third year may take EVIDENCE as a COREQUISITE. Students who have taken a trial advocacy course as part of a clinic may not subsequently enroll in Trial Advocacy. ENROLLMENT LIMIT: 12 students. GRADING NOTICE: This course does not offer the CR/NC/H option. NOTE: This course counts toward the 6 credit Experiential Learning requirement. ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT: A student who fails to attend the first class or to obtain permission to be absent from either the instructor or the Registrar, will be administratively dropped from the class. Students who are on the wait list are required to attend the first meeting to be considered for enrollment.
FALL 2023: LAW JD 894 A1 , Sep 6th to Dec 6th 2023
SPRG 2024: LAW JD 894 A2 , Jan 18th to Apr 18th 2024