LAWS8553 · Law

Introduction to Appellate Judging

Boston College Law School

1L Elective. This course will provide students with a "view from the bench" by providing the opportunity to assume the role of an appellate judge in oral argument. At each class, on a rotating basis, two students will present oral argument on opposing sides of a legal issue, seeking affirmance or reversal of decisions rendered in recent state and federal cases. The legal issues will generally be taken from first year/first semester required course subjects or involve principles of statutory construction. Students not scheduled for an argument on a particular day will perform the role of an appeals court panel, probe the strengths and weaknesses of each presenting attorney, and deliver a ruling.