Description

Student feedback given on this project  has been that they wished they had done this earlier as it was a great experience for the semester. The reason students said this was that courts often set trial dates and then cases settle and students who did not plan ahead often ended up without this project done.  Or, they went to hearing rather than full trials because they waited until the last week to do this project. With the Covid issue, courts are often not meeting at all so this semester, the trial observation can be done by observing actual trials online.  Stay within the U.S. state and/or federal systems. Ask questions as you have them.  Last minute queries about “what can I do” are not reflective of planning so plan ahead.

TRIAL PROJECT FORM[1]

(Pay attention to directions)

NAME OF COURT: ___________________________________________________________________________________

JUDGE’S NAME: ___________________________________________  CASE NUMBER: _______________________

NAME OF CASE AT TRIAL: _________________________________________________________________________

NATURE OF TRIAL(S)/HEARING(S): _____________________________________________________________

PARISH/COUNTY OF TRIAL: _____________________   STATE IN WHICH TRIAL HELD: ____________

STATE OR FEDERAL COURT: _______  LOCATION OF COURTHOUSE: ____________________________

JUDGE-CONTACT INFO. ______________________________________________________

DATE AND TIMES OF ATTENDANCE FOR EACH HEARING/TRIAL: ____________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________________________________.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________.

ATTENDANCE TIME:  HOURS _____________MINUTES ____________________

NAME OF BAILIFF WITH CONTACT NUMBER, FOR VERIFICATION OF ATTENDANCE:   _______________________________________________________________________________________________________.

NAME OF PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY (OR GOV’T ATTORNEY) : ___________________________________

HOW DRESSED: ______________________________________________________________________________________

YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF THIS ATTORNEY: ______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________.

NAME OF DEFENDANT’S ATTORNEY: _____________________________________________________________

HOW DRESSED: ______________________________________________________________________________________

YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF THIS ATTORNEY: ______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________.

JUDGE’S LOCATION IN COURTROOM AND DEMEANOR : ______________________________________

HOW DRESSED: ____________________________________________________________________________________

YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF THIS JUDGE:____ _________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________.

NUMBER OF WITNESSES OBSERVED DURING TIME OF ATTENDANCE AND WHAT YOU FOUND OF INTEREST FOR EACH WITNESS:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________.

[1] This form was previously used for courthouse attendance trials.  If a portion is not applicable to online observations, place “N/A” as it is not applicable.

1. First, do NOT place yourself at risk of exposure to the Covid virus.

Students can complete this project by observing a trial online.  There is no requirement that this project be done face to face in the court house.

1. a) Watch an actual trial online (2 hour-minimum observation). (If you have done this for another course, do not use that work). Search online for actual trials in the United States, federal or state, criminal or civil.  (A written account, like the news, a journal, or a re-enactment is not acceptable).
2. b) Observe the proceedings for a minimum of two to four (2-4 or more) hours and take thorough notes of your observations.
3. c) Complete an Interoffice cover memorandum and the following form and accompanying review to memorialize the experience.

2. This project should be completed by submitting an Interoffice memorandum (as a cover page) at the beginning of your paper, and then using the form for the subsequent pages.

1. Interoffice Cover Memorandum should mirror the model given exactly.
2. The Trial Project Form provided should begin on the 2^nd Complete the form, providing information from the trial(s) and or hearings that you attend or watch online.
3. Summary of Court Observations Experience. On a separate page, provide a complete and thorough summary of your experience in paragraph form, in your own words, responding to the directions.

3. Provide a Thorough and Considered Summary of Each of the Following Parts. This is responsive to #2 (c).  Err on the side of thorough  Your supervisor needs a thorough recitation of information on what you observed and what you learned.

1. Summary Of Proceedings During The Time Of Observation. Provide a summary of any opening arguments, the plaintiff’s case in chief, the defendant’s case, and both closing arguments.  Provide your observations and your questions; things you found different than what you expected.  What you found most interesting about the proceeding(s)?  What you found most confusing or dismaying?  (2-6 pages).
2. Summary of the testimony of witnesses and your observations regarding the questions from the attorneys for witnesses.
3. Note: you may watch more than one proceeding to complete your time requirement.  Make sure you provide appropriate information regarding each.

4. Purpose of Trial Project Assignment. Development of practical knowledge and experience of trial procedure through observation.

5. May I go to an actual trial in a courthouse? How do I find out where and when trials and hearings are held?

This is your choice.  My advice is not to put yourself at risk. You can complete this assignment online.

6. Do not wait until the last minute to complete this assignment. Please do not wait until the last minute to complete these assignments.

7. Finally, do not even look at the work of another student. If the work looks at all similar, no points will be given to either student.