Moot Court: Mock Trial

School Competition

In this practical skills course, students will learn direct and cross examination, how to lay foundations, evidentiary objections, opening statement and closing argument. Each class will consist of lectures and hands-on experience in small groups. Students also are required to complete a 5-page trial memorandum and a trial notebook to be used at trial as part of the course. The trial notebook and memorandum can count toward the B writing requirement. At the end of the course, students (in two-person teams) will try both sides of a case in several rounds in the Law School Moot Court/Mock Trial competition.

Class attendance is mandatory, as this is a practical skills course. Students who enroll must commit to be present for the practice round Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 8:30 am - 12:00 pm at Multnomah County Courthouse and for the three rounds of competition on Friday, November 14, 2008 from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm and Final Competition Rounds on Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. In addition, students must commit to be present for one session on opening statements at the Multnomah County Courthouse on Saturday morning, September 27, 2008 8:30am - noon. No exceptions.

Individuals who excel in the class and the competition are extended an invitation to represent the school in a regional trial competition in the Spring.

Prerequisites: Students must have taken Evidence, or be currently enrolled in Evidence, to take the course.

Skill†: litigation

B Writing Requirement Option.

Regional Competition

The Regional Mock Trial Competition is held in the Spring term each year by national legal groups. Topics are chosen annually by sponsoring organizations and all participating schools use the same topic. Topics range from criminal to civil law issues. Participating students will compete against students nationally from various schools in a trial setting and will be evaluated on their trial skills including knowledge of the rules of evidence, ability to examine and cross-examine witnesses and generally conduct a trial. The course gives students an opportunity to develop advanced trial advocacy skills. Team members (maximum 8) are chosen by the instructors of the Fall semester Moot Court/Mock Trial class and each team of four will participate in one regional or national trial competition.

Prerequisites: Must have successfully completed Moot Court: Mock Trial School Competition and be chosen by the instructors to represent the school.

Skills†: litigation

†Students may not earn more than four (4) credit hours in any one skill area