Moot Court: Mock Trial

In this practical skills course, students will learn direct and cross examination, how to lay foundations, evidentiary objections, opening statement and closing argument. Each class will consist of lectures and hands-on experience in small groups. Students also are required to complete a trial notebook to be used at trial as part of the course. At the end of the course, students (in two-person teams) will try both sides of a case in several rounds in the Law School Moot Court/Mock Trial competition.

Class attendance is mandatory, as this is a practical skills course. Students who enroll must commit to be present for the practice round Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 8:30 am - 12:00 pm at Multnomah County Courthouse and for the three rounds of competition on Friday, November 18, 2011 from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm and Final Competition Rounds on Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. In addition, students must commit to be present for one session on opening statements at the Multnomah County Courthouse on Saturday morning, October 1, 2011 8:30am - noon. No exceptions.

Individuals who excel in the class and the competition are extended an invitation to represent the school in a regional trial competition in the Spring.

Prerequisites: Students must have taken Evidence, or be currently enrolled in Evidence, to take the course.

Skill*: Trial Litigation

*Students may not earn more than four (4) credit hours in any one skill area

The American Bar Association accreditation standards require students to regularly attend the courses in which they are registered. Lewis & Clark expects students to attend classes regularly and to prepare for classes conscientiously. Specific attendance requirements may vary from course to course. Any attendance guidelines for a given class must be provided to students in a syllabus or other written document at the start of the semester. Sanctions (e.g., required withdrawal from the course, grade adjustment, and/or a failing grade) will be imposed for poor attendance.

Regional Competition

The Regional Mock Trial Competition is held in the Spring term each year by national legal groups. Topics are chosen annually by sponsoring organizations and all participating schools use the same topic. Topics range from criminal to civil law issues. Participating students will compete against students nationally from various schools in a trial setting and will be evaluated on their trial skills including knowledge of the rules of evidence, ability to examine and cross-examine witnesses and generally conduct a trial. The course gives students an opportunity to develop advanced trial advocacy skills. Team members (maximum 8) are chosen by the instructors of the Fall semester Moot Court/Mock Trial class and each team of four will participate in one regional or national trial competition.

Prerequisites: Must have successfully completed Moot Court: Mock Trial School Competition and be chosen by the instructors to represent the school.

Skills†: litigation

†Students may not earn more than four (4) credit hours in any one skill area