LAWS8550 · Law

Trial Practice

Boston College Law School

There are several sections of trial practice, which are taught by adjunct faculty who are judges or practitioners. Each instructor selects his/her own readings and exercises, but the coverage of the sections is quite similar. All require students to prepare and to perform aspects of jury trial -- opening and closing arguments, and direct and cross-examination. The course is designed to develop practical skills and to build an appreciation for the relationship between substantive law and strategy and tactics in litigation. This section includes both civil and criminal trial exercises. Students also participate in a mock trial held in a real courtroom. All sections focus on trial advocacy; some also consider some pre-trial skills, such as discovery depositions. All sections have limited enrollments. Evidence is a prerequisite.