LAW 781 Trial Practice and Procedure
Trial Practice and Procedure (TPP) is designed to develop basic advocacy skills for use in courtrooms and other legal settings. In the TPP course, students first learn and perform the various aspects of the trial of a lawsuit, including the development of a theory and theme, opening statements, direct and cross examination of lay witnesses, the use and introduction of demonstrative evidence, and closing arguments. Skills are practiced in weekly courtroom simulations. All simulations are done in a small group setting; some simulations may be videotaped. Students are also required to prepare for and conduct a trial to verdict. The final trial serves as the course's final exam. TPP is a three-credit course, meeting weekly. The TPP course also includes two intensive workshop sessions which will be scheduled during other available times, subject to the schedules of students and faculty. Evidence is a not a prerequisite for TPP; however, it is strongly recommended that students in TPP have either completed Evidence or be enrolled in Evidence while enrolled in TPP.