Availabilities:

2024 unit offering information will be available in November 2023

Unit description

Specifically aimed at those students who will in their practice anticipate involvement in appearing in courts as an advocate. Whilst some solicitors may not appear in court, nevertheless the skills of persuasion by written and oral argument in court are useful in many other legal contexts. Will be taught with an emphasis on the acquisition and practice of courtroom skills up to District Court level.

Unit content

  1. Preparation for effective advocacy:
    1. The art of persuasion by effective use of language         
    2. Understanding the etiquette of court room advocates         
    3. The relationship between persuasion, presentation and effective questioning 
    4. Knowing your client and the court.
  2. Preparation before getting to court:
    1. Gathering proofs of evidence         
    2. Pre-trial discussions         
    3. Organisation of brief         
    4. Choice of plea or settlement.
  3. Development of professional attitudes to ethical matters.
  4. Presentation of evidence:
    1. Examination-in-chief         
    2. Re-examination         
    3. Matters often requiring attention in contested cases         
    4. Use of expert witnesses         
    5. Refreshing memory.
  5. Cross-examination:
    1. Rules         
    2. Purpose and limitations         
    3. Tactics and responses         
    4. Credibility and competence         
    5. Exhibits and documents         
    6. Objections at trial.
  6. The plea of guilty and bail applications:
    1. Research and preparation         
    2. Calling evidence         
    3. Negotiations with police         
    4. Court room presentation.
  7. Making submissions: addressing the court, and the jury.
  8. Putting it all together: mock trials group exercises.

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1employ techniques of effective written and oral advocacy
2identify the ethical and practical issues involved in advocacy; and
3demonstrate an awareness of the particular skills involved in each stage of a hearing or trial.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. employ techniques of effective written and oral advocacy
  2. identify the ethical and practical issues involved in advocacy; and
  3. demonstrate an awareness of the particular skills involved in each stage of a hearing or trial.

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every teaching period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the teaching period.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

+