POST GRADUATE BAR COURSE 2023/2024

1st TERM WEEK 6 - INSTRUCTIONS FOR TRIAL ADVOCACY TRAINING

LAND TRANSACTIONS: DATE 6TH TO 10 NOVEMBER 2023

Learning outcomes for Tuesday Trial Advocacy Training – CASE ANALYSIS

1. Preparation for Trial.
2. Ability to analyze the client’s file in Workshop 1D(I).
3. Address ethical concerns that arise in both case analysis and preparation.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TUESDAY TRIAL ADVOCACY TRAINING

1. The firm leader will divide the firm into 2 equal groups to represent the Plaintiff(s) in each of
the File provided in Workshop 1D(I). The even numbers on the firm lists shall represent the
Plaintiff(s) while the Odd numbers shall represent the Defendant(s).
2. Each party will prepare a presentation (of not more than a page each) analyzing their case
files by identifying an applicable cause of action for the case, the facts that support/prove
each element and an analysis on the vulnerabilities of the facts or evidence supporting each
element.
3. Using this information, each group shall draft a Plaint.
4. Each group shall present their case analysis and draft pleadings and receive feedback from
the PA.
5. After the training session, the firm shall make changes to their drafts incorporating the
guidance from the PAs and email them to the PAs facilitating their Thursday/Friday Classes by
Wednesday 6pm.

Learning outcomes for Thursday/Friday Trial Advocacy Training – EXAMINATION IN CHIEF

 Acquiring skills in preparing to orally lead a fact witness during examination in chief.
 Develop the skill of asking open ended questions.
 Appreciate the role of an advocate in organizing a witness’ testimony.
 Appreciate the difference between examination in chief in a Criminal and Civil Trials.
 Recognize and address ethical dilemmas during preparation for and exam in chief.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THURSDAY/FRIDAY TRIAL ADVOCACY TRAINING
1. The advocacy training file shall be from Workshop 1D(I) and even numbers on the firm lists
shall prepare to lead witnesses for the Plaintiff while odd numbers on the firm lists shall
prepared to lead the Defence in examination in Chief.
2. Every student is expected to come to class having individually prepared full examinations for
their respective sides. Students who do not have this individual preparation should be
removed from the class.
3. The Presiding P.A. shall select the students to play the role of Counsel and Witnesses at the
commencement of each examination. This can be by random selection or the students
volunteering by raising their hands. Where two firms are merged, the students shall retain
their roles on the sides represented.
4. All examination must be targeted to fulfil the specific elements of criminal offences and their
defences.
CRITERIA FOR FEEDBACK
The feedback to the class after the student performances can be guided by whether the
performance reflected the following examination in chief skills;
1. The form of Questions being Open ended i.e. starting with What, Why, When, Who, Which,
How, Describe, Explain, Tell us etc.
2. The prohibition against the use of leading questions during examination in chief and the
exceptions to the prohibition.
3. Questions being directed to lead evidence on specific ingredients of an offence or elements of
the cause of action.
4. The witness’ examination being organized in chapters.
5. Questions being simple, short and understandable.
6. The Student’s ability to Listen to the witness and follow up with questions.

LESSON PLAN
 Introduction of workshop by Professional advisor;
 Identifying Students who will role play;
 Role Play of Oral Examination of Witnesses;
 Questions & Answer Session.

GOD BLESS- OUR MOTTO: THE TRADITION OF LEGAL EXCELLENCE.