B722 Trial Advocacy

Trial Advocacy is one of the core litigation courses and the basic course in trial practice. It covers the theories, procedures, techniques, tactics and performance aspects of trial practice, covering such topics as jury selection, opening statements, use and handling of exhibits, direct and cross-examination, expert witnesses, and closing arguments. Students learn by doing, and the goal of each instructor is to give every student the opportunity to perform every week. In lieu of a final exam, students conduct a full trial. Trial Advocacy usually meets once a week for three hours. Sections are offered both semesters. In the spring semester, second-year students have enrollment priority. Third-year students have enrollment priority in the fall semester. Evidence (B723) is a prerequisite.

Trial Advocacy is taught by several experienced advocacy teachers, including:
Hon. Marc Kellams, a Monroe County judge who has been teaching the course for twenty years.
Hon. Nancy Vaidik, a judge on the Indiana Court of Appeals who has taught trial practice here and at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy for more than ten years.
Jessie Cook, an experienced criminal defense attorney who has taught here, at the Indianapolis law school, and at NITA for more than ten years.
Hon. Mary Ellen Diekhoff, a Monroe County Judge and former chief deputy prosecutor.
Betsy Greene, and experienced plaintiffs' personal injury lawyer and ITLA board member.

Trial Advocacy is a prerequisite to Advanced Trial Practice (fall, third year) and Trial Competition (spring, third year).

last updated 6/26/08