LAWS6032Advocacy Skills

Course handbook

Description

The course introduces students to the specialised skills required for trial preparation, trial technique and advocacy in both civil and criminal jurisdictions. It promotes development of an advanced and integrated understanding of the different types of advocacy in the various jurisdictions by using skills exercises in courts such as the Local and District Courts of New South Wales, and the Family and Circuit Courts of Australia. In addition, seminars are conducted on some specialist jurisdictions. The course concentrates on procedural law within several jurisdictions and enables students to apply their knowledge by developing their skills, autonomy, judgment and responsibility as a legal practitioner. Many of the litigation skills learnt in this course are applicable in other jurisdictions so students will benefit from the transferability of skills learned. in particular it provides the opportunity to receive personalised feedback on your advocacy skills by current practitioners experienced in the field.

Availability2024 Course Timetables

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Apply specialist knowledge and an advanced understanding of court advocacy from practice in realistic simulations of contested proceedings

2. Demonstrate specialised professional skills and competency in court advocacy by applying their knowledge

3. Demonstrate their autonomy, judgment and responsibility with regard to advocacy situations.

4. Apply the law to the facts of various civil or criminal cases in a defensible way

5. Examine the benefits of learning and development through reflection on practice

6. Demonstrate awareness of reforms and new developments in criminal or civil trial advocacy.

Content

Topics in this course include: 

1. The principles of advocacy: what makes an effective advocate, and how can you become one?
2. Managing clients & witnesses;
3. Court etiquette;
4. Obligations of advocates and required knowledge;
5. Preparing your case theory;
6. Examination in Chief, Cross Examination, and techniques in questioning witnesses, including use of exhibits and refreshing memory;
7. Principles of opening and closing;
8. Dealing with nerves & the physical aspects of advocacy;
9. Intensive personal feedback on performance from experts in the profession

Assumed knowledge

Nil

Assessment items

Practical Demonstration: 3 x assessed oral exercises

Written Assignment: Professional Reflection

Contact hours

Summer 2 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct

Course outline

Course outline not yet available.