Law 694:  Advanced Courtroom Evidence

The rules of evidence dictate the manner of criminal and civil trials. Understanding evidence impacts the questions attorneys will ask, the exhibits and testimony that the jury will consider, the quality of the advocacy and, even, the outcome at trial. This course connects the substantive rules of evidence and evidentiary determinations with the skills of trial advocacy. Students will learn how arguments under the rules of evidence and evidentiary rulings play out in the courtroom. Students will write and argue motions in limine, make offers of proof, conduct examinations, argue evidentiary objections and render decisions on evidence as trial judge. This course will focus on advocacy skills rooted in understanding evidence, such as motions in limine, evidentiary foundations, modes of impeachment and making a record for appeal. This course will not cover the aspects of trial advocacy that do not relate significantly to the rules of evidence, such as trial preparation and organization, themes and theories, voir dire, opening statements and closing arguments. While the course will on utilizing the rules of evidence in the courtroom setting, it is beneficial to any student who wishes to master the rules of evidence and advance their knowledge of substantive evidentiary law.

Course Sequence/Prerequisite:   Evidence (682) must have been taken prior to this course

Evaluation:  This is a three-hour graded course.  Grades will be based on written assignments, classroom participation, performance in exercises, and a final examination.