Evidence and the Advocate: A Contextual Approach to Learning Evidence

The second edition of Evidence and the Advocate teaches each rule of evidence using a three-pronged approach: (1) a straightforward explanation of the rule, its purposes, and foundations; (2) cases, practical problems, and discussion questions related to the rule; and (3) hands-on applications in which students participate in courtroom exercises that put the rules into practice. Applications range from simple form-of-question drills to full-fledged evidentiary hearings. Some require no out-of-class preparation, while others require preparation of direct and cross-examinations, or other courtroom advocacy. Throughout the course, students will apply the rules of evidence in real time and complete the class with a fun, competitive capstone exercise, where they will apply the entire spectrum of rules to a full criminal trial.