ATP 104. Trial Advocacy
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Curriculum
Lesson TA1: Case Theory, Preparation and the Opening Statement 1 lesson
Lesson TA2: Examination in Chief and Re-examination 1 lesson
Lesson TA3: Cross-Examination and Impeachment 2 lessons
Lesson TA4: Objections, Exhibits, Submissions and Court Etiquette 1 lesson
Problem questions with worked answers 1 lesson
About this course
Trial Advocacy develops the courtroom skills of an advocate: building a theory of the case, preparing the file and witnesses, opening, examining and cross-examining witnesses, handling documents and objections, and closing. It is a practical unit, and much of its assessment involves performing these skills, not only writing about them.
Every technique rests on a rule, mostly in the Evidence Act (Cap 80) on leading questions, prior statements, hostile witnesses, refreshing memory, hearsay, documents and electronic records, and in the Civil Procedure Rules and the Criminal Procedure Code on the order of the hearing. Professional ethics sets the limits, for example on witness preparation and on putting your case.
The unit shows the skills through scripts: questions written out, objections in a single sentence, and submissions structured around the issues and the record.