Case Files for Basic Trial Advocacy

The second edition of these case files include a variety of civil and criminal fact patterns that provide students the opportunity to try their hand at opening statements and closing arguments, as well as at direct and cross-examinations. The case files also provide opportunities for pretrial motion exercises and jury selection exercises. There is a companion text book entitled The Art & Science of Trial Advocacy by the same group of authors. These case files are a manageable length for weekly or bi-weekly assignments. The following case files are included:

• United States of America v. William Stevens (criminal case alleging bank robbery);
• Jeffrey Kent v. Bonds Rentals (civil case alleging failure to warn);
• State of Golden v. Steven MacNamara (criminal case alleging domestic violence);
• James Price v. GEM Corporation (civil case alleging unlawful termination);
• Rusty Maxell v. Terry Chester (civil case alleging breach of contract);
• State of Golden v. Sunny Grifford (criminal case alleging DUI and hit and run);
• Sam Spencer v. Teresa More (civil case alleging negligent entrustment);
• Nicole Gail v. Peter Novak (civil case alleging undue use of force);
• Cameron Hillman v. Mutual Life Insurance Company (civil case alleging failure to pay insurance proceeds);
• State of Golden v. Richard Buck (criminal case alleging murder);
• William Striver and Frances Gomez v. Rancho Fire Department (civil case alleging unfair employment practices);
• State of Golden v. Jake Chambers (criminal case alleging sexual assault); and
• Sandra Mountain v. Tyler County Sheriff's Department, et al. (civil case involving wrongful death).

Professor of Law at Pepperdine University School of Law

Carol Chase is an Emerita Professor of Law at Pepperdine University School of Law.

Naomi Goodno is Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Life and Professor of Law at Pepperdine University School of Law.

Timothy Perrin is the senior vice president for Strategic Implementation at Pepperdine University.