Introduction to Trial Advocacy

Course Information

The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Institute is pleased to offer its Introduction to Trial Advocacy course. This intensive, three-day course focuses on the prosecution theory of a case and the process of communicating that theory to jurors. This involves developing a theme and using it throughout the trial to help guide jurors. The course concentrates on each component of the trial from jury selection through closing argument.

The course emphasizes the importance of communication theory including the use of visual communication and an easily understood prosecution theory. The teaching method includes performance workshops with video and live critiques as well as demonstration and lecture format. The ideal student should have some experience with courtroom advocacy, but the course is designed for prosecutors with less than two or three years of experience.

Eligibility & Number of Participants

Class size is limited to the first 25 qualified registrants! This course is limited to active prosecutors in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. To ensure a fair representation among counties, attendance will be limited to no more than three prosecutors from each county.

Case Scenario

A specific case scenario has been developed for this course by PDAI's Education and Training Committee. Approximately one month prior to the start date of the course, the case scenario, along with the registrants' attendee confirmation and revised schedule, will be emailed to all eligible course participants. Attendees should review the case scenario prior to the course and be familiar with the facts of the case. Participants will be expected to give an opening statement, conduct direct and cross examinations, as well as a closing argument, based on the facts of the scenario. Attendees will receive two critiques: a live critique and a critique of their recorded presentation by two separate course faculty members.

CLE Credit

Introduction to Trial Advocacy has been accredited by the PA CLE Board for 1 Ethics and 14 Substantive CLE Credits.