Program Overview

Overview of the Criminal Trial Practice Course

The Criminal Trial Practice course is a learning-by-doing program that covers narratives, opening statements, direct examination, cross-examination, impeachment, admission and use of exhibits, and closing arguments. This course is taught by experienced trial lawyers who are also experienced advocacy teachers.

Course Description

This basic trial skills course focuses on criminal litigation, covering topics such as:

• Storytelling
• Brainstorming
• Opening Statement
• Direct Examination
• Cross Examination
• Impeachment
• Experts
• Exhibits
• Trial Preparation
• Opening Statement
• Closing Argument

Students prepare and perform these skills using simulated problems and case files, some of which are based on real cases, allowing them to work with actual recordings and other evidence. After each performance, students receive constructive comments from faculty members and classmates. Each student's performance is videotaped for personal review, and they also review at least two performances privately with one of their instructors.

Course Objectives

The course aims to help students learn or hone their trial and oral communication skills. It also provides an opportunity for students to determine whether a litigation career might suit them.

Enrollment Information

International LLM students wishing to enroll in this course must receive preapproval. To do so, they should contact the instructor, with a copy to the International Studies Office, attaching their CV and a brief description of their previous legal training and professional experience.

Degree Requirements

The course is:

• A JD elective
• A JD experiential course
• An IntlLLM-SJD-EXC elective
• A PIPS elective

Pre/Co-requisites

• LAW 245 Evidence is required and may be taken in a previous semester or concurrently.
• This course is not open to students who are taking, or have taken, Law 420 Trial Practice.

Course Format

The course is taught in sections limited to 12 students, ensuring each student performs at every class. The course final is a full jury trial of a criminal case, where each student works with a partner to represent either the prosecution or the defense. Members of the community serve as jury members, and after the students' presentation of the case, they deliberate and return a verdict. Students watch the jury deliberations via video feed.

Sample Syllabi

Sample syllabi are available for the course, including:

• 422-02-Spring2024-syllabus.pdf (207.83 KB)
• 422-01-Fall2022-syllabus.doc (88.5 KB)

Course Schedule

The course schedule varies by semester, with some semesters offering an intensive program with classes on Thursday and Friday evenings, and half days on Saturday and Sunday. Regular classes are typically held once a week, with recorded lectures available for students to view.

Instructors

The course has been taught by various instructors, including:

• Professor Natalie Adams, a United States Magistrate Judge
• Professor Don Beskind, the Director of the Trial Practice Program
• Professor Thomas K. Maher, an experienced criminal litigator

Course Areas of Practice

The course focuses on:

• Criminal Law and Procedure

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to develop other professional skills needed for competent and ethical participation as a member of the legal profession.