Trial Advocacy

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Trial Advocacy (LAW405)

Applications Open: To be confirmed

Applications Close: To be confirmed

Next Available Intake: To be confirmed

Course Types: To be confirmed

Language: English

Duration: 6 months

Fees: To be confirmed

Area of Interest: Legal

Schemes: To be confirmed

Funding: To be confirmed

School/Department: School of Law

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Synopsis

LAW405 Trial Advocacy takes the student from the classroom into the courtroom. Students put together knowledge of evidence and procedure and learn the steps of oral advocacy. There will be heavy reliance on role-play as students are put through advocacy exercise. Court craft like all skills will take time to develop, but training students with the basic skills sets them up to enter the world of practice.

Level: 4
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY REGULAR SEMESTER

Topics

The Trial Process – General Principles
The Psychology of Persuasion
Understanding the Judge/Tribunal
Examination in Chief/Affidavits of Evidence in Chief
Dealing with Real Evidence/Exhibits
Cross-Examination
Expert Evidence
Objections
Closing Arguments
Trial Preparation and Strategy
Written Advocacy – Skeletal Arguments, submissions
Summary Trials/Hearings

Learning Outcome

Distinguish the various stages in civil and criminal proceedings from commencement to trial
Examine the overall structure of a trial, as well the procedural and evidential rules applicable at trial and at interlocutory proceedings
Analyse complex fact patterns and concepts, legal principles, rules and arguments systematically
Categorize and organise complex fact patterns and concepts, legal principles, rules and arguments in a clear and coherent manner
Assess and apply the relevant laws, evidence, procedures and lines of argument necessary to deliver a clear and persuasive case
Formulate various advocacy strategies that effectively persuade a relevant audience
Plan and prepare a case theory of the issues that identifies the relevant source of the law, legal questions, legally significant facts
Prepare and present an argument that is clear, organised and persuasive, and that is supported by logical arguments
Demonstrate basic advocacy skills in a range of civil and criminal scenarios