POSC 492
Mock Trial
1. Catalog Entry
POSC 492
Mock Trial
Credit hours (3)
Prerequisite: Junior/Senior Standing and instructor’s permission
Active exploration of legal research, courtroom etiquette, legal procedures and the trial and appellate processes. Satisfies capstone requirement in the Law, Justice, and Society concentration.
2. Detailed Description of Course
In Mock Trial students work on a hypothetical civil or criminal case. They prepare
motions and learn the rules of evidence, how to examine witnesses, raise objections,
prepare motions. Emphasis is on critical reading and oral and written communications
skills in preparation for a Mock Trial at the end of the semester. Students in this
class may choose to participate in Mock Trial competition with the permission of the
instructor.
Specific topics include:
1) Sources of law
2) Legal research, analysis, and writing
3) Motion In Limine
4) Rules of evidence
5) Trial procedure, and
6) Trial practice
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Lecture, discussion, group work, student research, legal writing, and oral presentations during Mock Trial.
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1) Identify and describe the sources of law, and their hierarchy, in our legal
system. The focus will be on
statutory and case law.
2) Analyze and apply statutes.
3) Analyze and brief cases.
4) Apply the research, analysis and writing process through an assigned case memorandum.
5. Assessment Measures
Essays, quizzes, individual and group projects, motions and arguments, participation in class discussions.
6. Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
June 20, 2015