Trial Advocacy

Subject 730-774 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008. Search for this in the current handbook Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 - 26 contact hours per subject.
Total Time Commitment: The time commitment for this subject depends on the candidate's background and experience.
Prerequisites: N.A.
Corequisites: N.A.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: N.A.

Coordinator

A/Prof Andrew Palmer
Subject Overview:

Objectives:

A candidate who has successfully completed the subject should be able to:

  • Identify aims and objectives for the conduct of a trial
  • Develop plans and strategies for the achievement of those aims and objectives
  • Implement those plans and strategies in the preparation of, and during the course of, a trial
  • Reflect on all of the above at the conclusion of a trial.
  • More specifically, candidates completing this subject should be able to:
    • Prepare a case for trial, including:
    • Develop a case theory
    • Draft an opening address
    • Draft a closing address
    • Draft examinations and cross-examinations of witnesses
    • Assess the strengths and weaknesses of a case
  • Conduct a trial, including:
    • Deliver an opening address
    • Examine, cross-examine and re-examine witnesses
    • Deliver a closing address
  • Reflect on their performance at the above tasks.

Syllabus:

Topics covered will include the adversary process, the role of the trial advocate, the development of case theories and themes, opening and closing addresses, and witness examination, including examination in chief, cross examination and re-examination. Candidates will participate in seminar discussions and will also plan for and conduct advocacy exercises. Candidates will work in small teams.
Assessment:
  • Written preparation, including drafts of opening and closing addresses and outline of objectives for trial and examination of witnesses (45%) (29 September, 9.30 am)
  • Trial performance (45%) (beginning week of 29 September)
  • Reflective report (10%) (16 October)
Prescribed Texts: Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Please visit the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website by following the link at the bottom of this subject entry.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Please see the Subject Objectives for this information.
Links to further information: 730-774Trial AdvocacyMelbourne Law Masters, postgraduate law, post-graduate law, graduate law2008

Objectives:

A candidate who has successfully completed the subject should be able to:

  • Identify aims and objectives for the conduct of a trial
  • Develop plans and strategies for the achievement of those aims and objectives
  • Implement those plans and strategies in the preparation of, and during the course of, a trial
  • Reflect on all of the above at the conclusion of a trial.
  • More specifically, candidates completing this subject should be able to:
    • Prepare a case for trial, including:
    • Develop a case theory
    • Draft an opening address
    • Draft a closing address
    • Draft examinations and cross-examinations of witnesses
    • Assess the strengths and weaknesses of a case
  • Conduct a trial, including:
    • Deliver an opening address
    • Examine, cross-examine and re-examine witnesses
    • Deliver a closing address
  • Reflect on their performance at the above tasks.

Syllabus:

Topics covered will include the adversary process, the role of the trial advocate, the development of case theories and themes, opening and closing addresses, and witness examination, including examination in chief, cross examination and re-examination. Candidates will participate in seminar discussions and will also plan for and conduct advocacy exercises. Candidates will work in small teams.
  • Written preparation, including drafts of opening and closing addresses and outline of objectives for trial and examination of witnesses (45%) (29 September, 9.30 am)
  • Trial performance (45%) (beginning week of 29 September)
  • Reflective report (10%) (16 October)
N.A.N.A.24 - 26 contact hours per subject.Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Please visit the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website by following the link at the bottom of this subject entry.Please see the Subject Objectives for this information.The time commitment for this subject depends on the candidate's background and experience.N.A.Please see the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website for up to date timetable information.A/Prof Andrew PalmerLawFor the latest information on this subject, please visit: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/subject/730774P12.500Semester 2NLawLaw730-774

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