For quick reference, here are many commonly-used handouts from The Litigation Center.  All handouts and videos are the creation of Golden Gate University School of Law and Prof. Wes Porter.  All rights reserved.

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TRIAL ADVOCACY VIDEOS AND HANDOUTS

I.   CLOSING ARGUMENT

• Understanding Closing

A.  OVERVIEW

• Understanding the “End Game” (Lecture PowerPoint)
• Understanding the “End Game” (Porter)
• Differ from Opening & the “90/10 Rule” (Porter)
• Don’ts (Porter)

B.  USING THE LAW IN CLOSING

• Using the Law in Closing (Lecture Power Point)
• The Jury Learns the Law After the Facts
• The Lawyer Must Explain the Law
• Using the Law to Frame the Argument

C.  STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS

• Explaining the Law in Closing

II.   CROSS EXAMINATION

• The 10 Commandments of Closing

A.  OVERVIEW

• Cross and Impeach (Lecture PowerPoint)
• Modes of Impeachment
• Constructing, Organizing & Connecting (Porter)
• Organizing Cross Questions into “Blocks” (Porter)
• Modes of Impeachment & Attacking Credibility (Porter)
• Attitude & the “Conversational Cross” (Prof. Susan Rutberg)
• Do’s and Don’ts for Your Witness on Cross Examination (Porter)

B.   IMPEACHMENT BY PRIOR INCONSISTENT STATEMENT

• Impeachment By Prior Inconsistent Statement Handout
• A Guide to Impeaching by Prior Inconsistent Statement
• 5 Minute Impeachment Drills
  

C.  STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS

• A Guide to Impeachment By Prior Inconsistent Statement

III.   OPENING STATEMENTS

• Rules For Opening Statements and Suggested Format

A.  OVERVIEW

• Opening and Case Analysis (Lecture PowerPoint)
• Hook, Theme & Theory (Porter)
• Storytelling & “Previewing” (Porter)

B.  SPECIALTY TOPICS

• A Criminal Defense Perspective (Prof. Katie Ross)
• Hook the Jury in Your First Sentences (Porter)
• Why Reading From Notes Does NOT Work In A Jury Address (Porter)

C.  STUDENT DEMONSTRATION

• Hooking the Jury In

IV.   DIRECT EXAMINATION

A.  OVERVIEW

• Hosting a Conversation (Porter)
• “Believe-ability” & Dos and Don’ts (Porter)
• Using Exhibits (Porter)

B.  REFRESHING RECOLLECTION

• Isn’t it refreshing? – Refreshing Recollection on Direct
• A Guide to Refreshing Recollection (Porter)

C.  LAYING FOUNDATION FOR EXHIBITS

• Predicate Context Exhibit Questions – Foundations
• Direct Examination and Exhibits (Lecture PowerPoint)
• How To Lay Proper Foundation For Exhibits (Porter)

D.   EXPERT WITNESSES

• Challenging Expert Witnesses and Testimony
• Expert Testimony and Opinion
• Crediting Expert Witnesses

E.  WITNESS PREP

• Is Your Witness Better Than a 1st Grader?
• General Tips for Your Witness – Direct through Recross
• Prepping Your Witness for an Effective Cross

F.  REDIRECT

• The Powers and Pitfalls of Redirect
  

G.  STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS

• Direct Examination
• Refreshing Recollection

V.   CASE ANALYSIS

A.  OVERVIEW

• Complex Civil Litigation – Case Perspective (Prof. Marc Greenberg)
• Complex Civil Litigation – Case Perspective Part II (Prof. Marc Greenberg)

EVIDENCE HANDOUTS AND VIDEOS

VI.   OBJECTIONS, RESPONSES & MOTIONS IN LIMINE

• Objections and Responses (Lecture PowerPoint)

A.  OVERVIEW

• Objections and Responses (Lecture PowerPoint)
• The Lights Are On (Porter)
• Evidentiary Sensors (Porter)
• Responses Through the Court (Porter)

B.   CHARACTER EVIDENCE VERSUS IMPEACHMENT

• Part I – (Prof. Bob Calhoun)
• Part II – (Prof. Bob Calhoun)

C.   OBJECTIONS

• Federal Trial Objections
• Evidentiary (Objections) Sensors
• Commonality of Evidence and Trial Advocacy
• Responding to an Evidentiary Objection – Hearsay (Porter)

C.   MOTIONS IN LIMINE

• Organizing & Presenting a Motion in Limine

VII.  VOIR DIRE

• Establishing Rapport
• Educate the Jurors
• Selecting and Deselecting Jurors