Story of the Case: Trial Lawyers & Case Theory
In this course, we will discuss famous trials, and examine how advocates formulate “the story of the case.” Each of you will choose a case about which to write a term paper involving significant original research and writing. During the writing process, you will meet and confer with Professor Tigar to discuss your proposed topic and to review your drafts, and we will have class discussions of the issues in cases you have chosen. Your final paper will be at least thirty pages long, fully documented, and of publishable quality. We will work together to achieve these goals. Your paper will reflect original research based on sources as close as possible to the original events you will be studying. Your work is in four stages: First, choose a case; second, do an outline, which will be discussed and evaluated. Third, do a first draft, which you will discuss with the instructor and which may be discussed in class. Fourth, do a second draft that will be the basis of a class presentation. Finally, turn in your final paper after the semester closes, with changes based on class comments at your presentation. In our class meetings, we will discuss essays in the book Trial Stories, both to inform ourselves about famous cases and to help you see how to approach your own work. For the Fall, we expect to have visits from Harold Haddon, who will discuss his defense of Kobe Bryant, and Charles Becton, who will talk about an iconic civil rights case and about his work with Black trial lawyers in South Africa.
This course will challenge you to think, write and speak in ways that sharply differ from the “law-speak” that you may have learned already.
Your grade will be based on class participation and on your paper. Presence, preparation, participation, timeliness, and hard work are required.
This course will challenge you to think, write and speak in ways that sharply differ from the “law-speak” that you may have learned already.
Your grade will be based on class participation and on your paper. Presence, preparation, participation, timeliness, and hard work are required.
Please note that course organization and content may vary substantially from semester to semester and descriptions are not necessarily professor specific. Please contact the instructor directly if you have particular course-related questions.
Sections/Instructors
Michael E. Tigar
Story of the Case: Trial Lawyers & Case Theory 576.01
Fall 2009
E-mail List • Blackboard Site