Singapore University of Social Sciences

Trial Advocacy

Trial Advocacy (LAW405)

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 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
Back to top
Back to top