1. Barrister’s Council – Trial Advocacy Division
Greenhalgh 2017
Barrister’s Council – Trial Advocacy Division

2. A few important reminders…
You must have already signed up and paid to compete in Greenhalgh
You may sign up to try out for any or all of the three Barrister’s Council divisions
You will find out before Appellate Advocacy tryouts start if you have made Trial Advocacy
If you receive an offer to join Trial Advocacy, you MUST compete in the Greenhalgh trial rounds (3/3-3/5)

3. What is Trial Advocacy?
Compete in teams against other schools in “mock trials”
We do full trials with motions in limine, opening statements, direct and cross examinations of witnesses, and closing arguments
Lawyers and judges serve as the “jury,” scoring each element of the trial
We also have practicing attorneys who serve as our coaches to give guidance

4. Important Dates Info Session 1: Right now! Packet released: Today, 2/1
Round 1 Tryouts: 2/7-2/10
Info Session 2: 3:30
Round 2 Tryouts: 2/15-2/16
Preliminary Trial Rounds: 3/3-3/4
Semifinals and Finals: 3/5

5. The Greenhalgh Packet Includes: Tryout instructions
Procedural Information for the Case
Affidavits/Depositions for your witnesses
Exhibits and Evidence you can use

6. The Case Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder
Robert Donnell is on trial for the murder of his wife, Helen Donnell. Helen was stabbed by Ricky Gamble. Ricky told police that Robert put him up to it. He made a plea deal with the prosecutors and has agreed to testify against Robert.

7. Round 1 – Closing Arguments

8. What is a Closing Argument?
The final word from both sides
Summary of your case, pulling it all together
Driving home the strongest points for your side
Your chance to argue and synthesize everything for the jury

9. How do you write a closing?
Decide on a theme and theory (more on that on the next slide)
Summarize the case for the jury, remind them of what they just heard, what each witness said
Decide on a structure/organization for your arguments
Witness-based?
Element-based?
Poke holes in the opposition’s argument where you can
End by asking the jury to deliver a verdict in your favor

10. Understanding Theme and Theory
Theory: What are the best points for your side? Why should the jury rule in your favor? What is your spin on the case? 1-2 sentence summary
Example: The defendants stole the plaintiff’s song then used it to create their own hit, infringing on the plaintiff’s copyright
Theme: A short, memorable phrase that will stick in the jury’s heads
Example: This case is as simple as it sounds
You want these to be simple, easy for the jury to understand
Some common theme “devices” if you get stuck:
A short quote/common idiom
Repeating the same word (or words)
Alliteration
This is your chance to get creative!

11. Sample structures of a closing
Theme and theory up front
Explain the burden of proof
Explain the law
Summary of what was heard
Remind the jury of how you proved your case
Ask for a verdict
Theme and theory up front
Explain the burden and break the law into elements
Element 1 of the law and corresponding points
Element 2 of the law and corresponding points
Elements 3 of the law and corresponding points
Ask for a verdict

12. How do you deliver a closing?
Speak loudly and clearly
Modulate your tone of voice to match your points
Speak slower than you think you need to
Make eye contact
Use your space – move to emphasize different parts of your argument
Memorize!

13. What are we looking for? Clear, confident delivery Structured argument
Hitting the basics
Theme and theory
Persuasive

14. Logistics You have 5 to 8 minutes to give your closing
You can pick either side of the case
Memorize!
For the purposes of this closing, you may assume all the evidence in the packet was admitted
Dress to impress – courtroom appropriate clothing

15. If you want to watch a good closing
Start at 2:32:00

16. Two final things…
You’ll receive the packet right after this info session ends – us if you don’t get it!
You will also receive a Google Form to sign up for a try out slot – fill that out ASAP but by Friday, 5:00pm at the latest!

17. Email greenhalgh2017@gmail.com
Questions?