420.01 Trial Practice

This is the basic trial skills course covering Opening Statement, Direct Examination, Cross Examination, Impeachment, Exhibits, Expert Witnesses and Closing Argument. In sections of 12 students per section, students prepare and perform the various skills using simulated problems and case files. After each performance, students receive constructive comments from faculty members who are also experienced trial lawyers. Students also get videotapes of their performances. The course ends with a full jury trial of a civil or criminal case with teams of two students on each side. At the end of the trial, the jury deliberates and students are able to watch the jury as it deliberates.

In the Fall, the class, which focuses on criminal trials, lasts the full semester. Three sections focusing on civil trials and one section focusing on criminal trials Law 422 are offered in the Spring.

Spring 2017

Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor
420.01
Course Credits
Donald H. Beskind
Sakai site: https://sakai.duke.edu/portal/site/LAW.420.01.Sp17
Email list: LAW.420.01.Sp17@sakai.duke.edu
Course
Degree Requirements
Course Requirements - JD
Course Requirements - LLM
Course Areas of Practice