Overview
This practice-oriented course develops advanced skills in appellate and trial advocacy. Students examine adversarial procedure, professional courtroom etiquette, advocacy ethics, litigation strategy, case theory, legal research, authorities, pleadings, written submissions, oral argument, and evidentiary presentation.
The course addresses issue identification, fact analysis, jurisdiction, procedural rules, burdens and standards of proof, direct and cross-examination, impeachment, objections, admission and exclusion of evidence, opening and closing addresses, expert and vulnerable witnesses, exhibits, demonstrative evidence, judicial questioning, and responses to opposing counsel. Guided practical work includes moot memorials or briefs, trial bundles, examination plans, oral submissions, simulated hearings, and mock trials.
Students receive structured feedback on written and oral performance and develop professional judgment under conditions of time pressure and opposition. Emphasis is placed on preparation, accuracy, civility, client-centred representation, courtroom responsibility, and the distinction between persuasive advocacy and misrepresentation.
Learning Outcomes
- Formulate coherent case theories supported by legally relevant facts, issues, authorities, and procedural strategy.
- Conduct and evaluate legal research to identify, interpret, and apply authoritative sources in advocacy.
- Draft persuasive pleadings, memorials, written submissions, trial bundles, and examination plans.
- Present concise, logically organised, and ethically compliant oral submissions in appellate and trial settings.
- Examine, cross-examine, and challenge witnesses using appropriate questioning techniques and evidentiary principles.
- Apply procedural and ethical rules to make, oppose, and respond to objections concerning the admission or exclusion of evidence.
- Analyse burdens and standards of proof, jurisdictional requirements, and procedural developments in simulated litigation.
- Demonstrate strategic judgment, professional civility, and responsiveness to judicial questioning and opposing counsel.
- Evaluate advocacy performance through structured feedback and formulate specific strategies for improvement.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Practicum | 2 hours | Weekly | Second term |
| Tutorial | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Advocacy memorandum and legal authorities | 15.00% |
| Deliverable | Trial bundle and examination plan | 15.00% |
| Test | Oral advocacy exercises (2 × 10%) | 20.00% |
| Test | Witness examination and objections practical | 15.00% |
| Tutorial | Simulation participation and peer review | 10.00% |
| Capstone | Final moot or mock-trial performance | 25.00% |
Prerequisites
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
