Civil Trial Practice (V. Abasc*l, J. Wh*te)

This is a basic but very intensive course in trial practice. It will focus on trial advocacy skills, including factual and legal preparation for trial, trial objections, introduction of demonstrative and real evidence, direct examination, cross examination, examination of expert witnesses, opening statements, closing arguments, jury selection, and courtroom communication skills. The heart of this course is student performance of trial problems, which are videotaped and candidly critiqued. Each student will review his/her videotape and work on their individual communication style with a communications expert outside regular class time. Class sessions will also include brief lectures and faculty demonstrations. There will be assigned reading and viewing of demonstration videotapes outside of class. Grading for the course will be based on weekly clinical performances and on one full evening mock jury trial.

The course will be limited to sixteen persons. If a full course is enrolled, some classes may be held in San Francisco at the federal courthouse and taught by the Honorable Jeffrey White.

Third-year students who have completed an evidence course and who have served in this course as a juror, bailiff, or witness will be given first priority for enrollment. If space permits, those taking an evidence course concurrently may enroll.