You will be required to observe an actual trial. Even if you have observed one before, the purpose is to apply the knowledge you've learned in class to your own, current observations, so attendance at another trial is required. The purpose of this exercise is to gain some experience on how trials are actually conducted.

Contact legal professionals in your area for a schedule of trials that are or will be in session. A good start would be to contact the district court and ask for the scheduling clerk. This person should be able to provide you with a schedule of upcoming trials and how long they are scheduled to last.

You will be required to spend 2-3 hours observing court proceedings/trials. It is acceptable to split your observations among two or more trials. TAKE NOTES! Make sure to include:

• The date and time that you spent at the trial.
• The basic details or facts of the trial
  • Eg., its location, the purpose of the trial, the names of the key figures, etc.
• The principles and procedures that were used in the trial (These are the most important observations to note)
  • E.g., jury selection, opening statements, presentation of evidence, closing arguments, jury instructions, and the outcome of the trial.

Assignment Details

Based on information you collected and information obtained from this course and course readings:

• Briefly summarize the trial.
• Critique the trial using the basic notions in your required and recommended readings as a guide for your observations and writing.
  • I.e., Describe what principles, procedures, etc. were discussed in the readings were exhibited in the trial (cite references).
• Discuss the similarities and differences between what you read about the practice of law and the actual practice of law.
  • Cite specific references from class readings.
  • book: Otto, R.K., DeMier, R.T., & Boccaccini M.T. (2014). Forensic reports & testimony: A guide to effective communication for psychologists & psychiatrists. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.