Trial Advocacy

Trial Advocacy - Professors Judith Matarazzo and Peter Richter

• Course Number: LAW-430
• Course Type: Foundational, Experiential
• Credits: 2
• Enrollment Limit: 32
• Description:

  This course concentrates on trial procedure and trial advocacy. It is a clinical learning experience. Classes are held at the Multnomah County Courthouse and consist of lectures and demonstrations covering a trial from jury selection to verdict. Each student actually tries a civil case, either as plaintiff or defense counsel, as a final exam. The students prepare pleadings, jury instructions, trial memos and conduct voir dire, opening statements, direct & cross examination and closing arguments.

  The trials are realistic! They are conducted in real court rooms, before real Judges with live jurors. The student’s performance is critiqued by Judges and jurors. This is a credit/no credit class.

  The first ten weeks are lectures from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The last four weeks are trial nights held from 6-9 p.m.

• Prerequisite: none
• Evaluation Method: Participation in a mock civil case
• Capstone: no
• WIE: no

Note: Do not plan any classes that begin at 8:00 p.m. following this class as you will have a time conflict for the last four weeks of the semester and not be allowed to register for both classes.