Courtroom Communication

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course is devoted to basic public speaking instruction and oral advocacy. Training will be at an accelerated pace with frequent student speech-making and advocacy. Additional topics of instruction include elements of speech, persuasion, and advocacy, in addition to practical public speaking techniques and advocacy techniques. Analysis of facts and third party materials for practical speech development and advocacy will be required. Prior public speaking training and experience are not required and we welcome students “anxious” about public speaking. Our focus through the semester shifts from public speaking, to Trial, and then, appellate advocacy. The latter two aspects of the course will conclude with real-world presentations before jurors and judges respectively. Guest lecturers are also expected for these specialties. The class will attend a United States Supreme Court oral argument. Class members will have the opportunity to observe an advocate/lawyer in actual preparation for the very argument before the U.S. Supreme Court, for which the class will be present in the Supreme Court courtroom. This course is being conducted by Professor Arthur Murphy, Jr., who is a trial lawyer and Professor Thomas Ambro, a Judge on the United States Court of Appeals (Third Circuit). Class is open to Juniors and Seniors. Must attend first class or lose place. Not available for pass/fail.