Selected Topics in Trial Advocacy: Direct and Cross of Experts

Selected Topics in Trial Advocacy: Direct and Cross of Experts - LAWN598

2 Credits

Every trial attorney knows that presenting his or her case in a clear, convincing and coherent way is critical to achieving a successful result. Often the outcome of a trial hinges on a battle of expert witnesses. Whether your case involves medical issues, environmental issues, DNA evidence or ballistics, an expert witness must be called to explain these complicated matters to the jury. Your job, as the attorney, is to help your expert teach the jury the relevant subject matter and persuade the jury that your expert is more credible than your adversary’s. Knowing that the other side is trying to accomplish the same goals makes your ability to cross-examine the opposing expert as important as conducting your direct examination. This course will focus on how to direct and cross-examine expert witnesses, and each student will be required to conduct both direct and cross-examinations of the witnesses, including some actual experts. Preparation is absolutely essential if you take this course. Critique and instruction will be given by the professor as well as top attorney guests. (Prerequisite: Trial Practice.)