Evidence and the Advocate: A Contextual Approach to Learning Evidence

By Christopher W. Behan

Evidence and the Advocate teaches each rule of evidence using a three pronged approach: (1) a treatise-like explanation of the rule, its purposes, exceptions and foundations; (2) cases, discussion questions and hypothetical problems related to the rule; and (3) an application section in which the students must prepare a courtroom exercise putting the rule into action. This approach forms a teaching template for each rule of evidence. Each application exercise stands alone and has been designed to illuminate the rule being taught. The application exercises range from simple form-of-question drills to full-fledged evidentiary hearings. Some require minimal preparation, and others require significant out-of-class research and preparation. In the exercises, students serve as attorneys, witnesses, judges, and, in the more involved exercises, as a court of appeals. The exercises build on each other. The initial exercises focus on fundamental advocacy skills such as conducting a direct examination or laying the foundation for an exhibit. Later exercises incorporate these foundational skills for more complicated tasks such as writing a motion, impeaching a witness, or conducting a Daubert hearing on the reliability of expert testimony. This book also is available in a three-hole punched, alternative loose-leaf version printed on 8.5 x 11 inch paper with wider margins and with the same pagination as the hardbound book.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 142248193X
• ISBN13: 9781422481936
• Release Date: March 2012
• Publisher: Carolina Academic Press
• Length: 736 Pages
• Weight: 2.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.5" x 1.5" x 8.0"