Oral argument in an appellate court represents a critical moment in every case. The briefs are written, and the panel may already be leaning towards a decision. Oral argument, therefore, is an opportunity to cement the panel's decision in your favor, or perhaps your final chance to save your case. Each advocate has an allotted amount of time to argue, mostly relying on the arguments set forth in their brief. During that time, the panel of judges interrupt the advocate to ask them questions and challenge the weaknesses of their argument. To say the least, it is a pressure packed inflection point in the life of a case. Thorough preparation, however, will relieve some of this pressure.
This year, in Prof. Greene's Legal Writing class, you will perform formal oral arguments between TBA (depending on your assigned schedule). However, before you perform the formal oral arguments, your Legal Writing TAs will be hosting practice oral arguments sessions. These sessions will be ungraded and will strictly be for your benefit. These practice sessions will be held between TBA
During your 30 minute session, you should come prepared with a full 7 minute argument and expect to be interrupted with questions. If you are arguing for Appellant, you may reserve 1 minute for rebuttal (to be argued after the Appellee's argument). However, you will not lose points in your formal oral arguments if you chose to waive rebuttal.
See below for more information on:
1) Your assigned TA,
2) How to book your practice session, and
3) How to complete the practice session assignment (at least 48 hours prior to your session).
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your assigned TA!
Join us on March 20, 2023 at 12pm (Room 230) for an "Oral Advocacy Workshop", where your TAs will go over best practices for in-person oral arguments, perform an actual oral argument for you, and open the floor to questions.
See below to see which TA you are paired with. From there, scroll down to book an appointment with your assigned TA.
Complete this assignment (via google form) at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled practice session! Don't forget to do this!
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