Mock Trial 2: Civil Law Trial - The Case of the Negligent Pedestrian

Students will learn how to work in teams. Students will learn about a legal topic and how to analyze the case details to make their case. Students will learn to make persuasive arguments. 

I am a law school student that has been trained through various legal skills and trial preparation classes in how to make arguments and refute an opponent's arguments. I have also been trained in how to prepare opening/closing arguments and how to direct and cross-examine a witness. Through my Civil Procedure, Torts, Federal Rules of Evidence, and Trial competition experience, I have condensed several semesters' worth of material into a tangible five-class course for young learners. This will serve as a great overview for anyone that may want to be in mock trial or moot court competitions. I also have six years of work experience as a paralegal and have helped attorneys prepare for trials by preparing motions, answering interrogatories with clients, and preparing the evidence for trial. I have observed dozens of trials between my work and school experience and have received invaluable knowledge and tips from my professors and bosses on how to effectively litigate during a trial. I hope to share all this with young learners and make them excited about potentially competing in mock trials in school or in practicing law one day. 

Students will have time in class to work on all the parts that will be performed at trial. It is recommended that students hone and develop their arguments and examination outlines outside of class. I also encourage students' parents to make contact so that team members can work on their trial presentations outside of class. All of this is optional, however. 

55 minutes per week in class, and maybe some time outside of class.