Clayton Utz Trial Advocacy
Sponsored by Clayton Utz
The 2011 Clayton Utz Trial Advocacy Competition involves a simulated trial in which teams of two counsel represent the prosecution/plaintiff or the defence. The focus of the competition is examination and cross-examination of witnesses to provide an answer to a particular legal problem, together with the presentation of brief opening and closing addresses. Given this fact-finding objective, no knowledge of the substantive law is necessary, and only limited pre-trial preparation is required.
The problems, set before the Magistrate’s Court, the District Court or the Supreme Court and heard by a single presiding judge or magistrate, are designed to reflect real court practice, and are often based on actual civil and criminal matters. The competition aims to provide students with a practical understanding of the rules of evidence and an insight into the operation of the court system, while developing their skills of persuasive argument in a formal environment.
Trial Advocacy is one of the most dynamic and exciting competitions that Blackstone organises; if you harbour secret ambitions of yourself in a starring role in Law and Order this is the competition for you. You can also indulge your theatrical fantasies by volunteering as a witness.
The Coordinator of the 2011 Clayton Utz Trial Advocacy Competition is Elle Linfoot. Please direct all queries to the Competitions VP, Kirsten Young, at email hidden; JavaScript is required.
Sign up at the ‘How To’ Session on Tuesday 1 March at 1 pm in the Moot Court!
Competition Dates
Round 1: Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th, Monday 21st, & Tuesday 22nd March 2011
Round 2: Monday 11th & Tuesday 12th April 2011
Quarter-Final: Monday 18th April 2011
Semi-Final: Monday 2nd May 2011
Grand-Final: Tuesday 17th May 2011
Competition Materials
