Curriculum Guide · Courses

Professor Craig Iscoe

J.D. Seminar 351 | 3 credit hours

This course is a traditional “Trial Practice” course with an additional credit hour to permit examination of the nuances of how some key aspects of the Federal Rules of Evidence are applied in a courtroom setting. The class combines rigorous mock trial exercises, demonstrations, and class discussion to enable students to develop both trial skills and an increased understanding of evidentiary rules. The course focuses on opening statements, direct and cross examination, making and opposing objections, handling exhibits, expert testimony, impeachment and rehabilitation, and closing argument. In addition, the course includes detailed examination and application of the rules of evidence regarding hearsay and hearsay exceptions (FRE 801- 807), character and impeachment (FRE 404 – 406 and 607-609) and other issues, such as methods of refreshing recollection (FRE 612) and the use of prior statements by witnesses (FRE 613). There will also be exercises on opinions and expert testimony (FRE 701-706). The course is designed especially for students who wish to develop some trial experience but lack the time to enroll in a regular litigation clinic and those who wish to improve their understanding of the nuances of the rules of evidence. Note: This course may require extended classes or extra meetings outside of class to accommodate a mock trial.

Prerequisite: Civil Procedure (or the equivalent Legal Process and Society); Criminal Justice (or the equivalent Democracy and Coercion), or Criminal Procedure; Evidence.

Students may not receive credit for both this course and Advanced Evidence: Trial Skills, or Trial Practice; Civil Litigation Practice; or Patent Trial Practice.

Enrollment is limited to J.D. students only. SPECIAL NOTE about Clinics: Students may receive credit for this course and certain clinics only if this course is taken before enrolling in one of these clinics. The clinics are: Center for Applied Legal Studies; Community Justice Project; Criminal Defense and Prisoner Advocacy Clinic; Criminal Justice; Domestic Violence; Juvenile Justice; or Law Students in Court.