Hallmarks of Distinguished Advocacy

What does it take to be an effective advocate? This course defines advocacy as any effort to persuade an audience, combining the teachings of rhetoric, trial advocacy, and theater to empower you to become the most effective advocate you can be. This is an experiential class, so you can expect to make a presentation in each class, and to have some fun doing it. The first seven weeks treat advocacy in settings outside the courtroom. The instruction and readings will deal with common features of all good advocacy; the student presentations will focus on a variety of non-trial performances—client presentations, advocacy of policy positions, informal and formal speeches. The second half of the semester focuses on advocacy in the most common trial settings— opening statements, examination of witnesses, and closing arguments. While this class is designed with the future trial advocate in mind, it is also appropriate for students who do not plan to litigate but who seek to improve their public speaking skills. (See also “Persuasion” or “Oral Presentations In and Out of the Courtroom” for public speaking classes for non-litigators, and “Advanced Verbal Persuasion” for students who would like additional instruction after taking this class.)