Courses@Boalt
NOTE: Course offerings change. Classes offered this semester may not be offered in future semesters.246.3 sec. 1 - Depositions (Fall 2011)
Instructor: Henry L. Hecht (view instructor's teaching evaluations | profile)
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Units: 3
Meeting Time: W 3:35-6:15
Meeting Location: 115
Course Start: August 24, 2011
Course Control Number (Non-1Ls): 49685
Over 98% of all civil cases filed in Federal court are resolved short of trial. When a litigator questions a witness today, it is far more likely to be in a law office at a deposition than in a courtroom at trial.
This skills course primarily uses "learning by doing" (simulations) to teach the art and science of taking and defending depositions. The role plays will be conducted in small groups with experienced litigators and the instructor as observers who will provide individual feedback to each student. In addition, the role plays will be video recorded, and each student will have an individual video review session with the instructor. Undergraduate Legal Studies majors will play the role of the witnesses.
Skills addressed include: preparing the fact (lay) witness, gathering information (discovery), gaining admissions, seeking evidence for impeachment, handling documents, defending your witness, preparing and examining expert witnesses, dealing with obstreperous counsel and problem witnesses, and using depositions at trial. Enrollment is limited to 18. Third year students will be given priority. All interested students --whether or not enrolled or placed on the wait list by Telebears--must attend the first class in order to be admitted. Any student who does not attend the first class may be dropped by the instructor. Due to the use of simulation exercises throughout the semester and the need to determine members of the class as soon as possible, the usual provisions of "Drop/Add" do not apply. If you wish to enroll, you must commit to remain in the course by no later than the end of the day on Tuesday, August 30, 2011, the last day before the second class of the semester.
If you have any questions, contact Professor Henry Hecht, by e-mail (hhecht@law.berkeley.edu) or by telephone (510-642-1787).
Prerequisites:
Civil Procedure (US)
This course satisfies the Skills Requirement.
Exam Notes: P
Course Category: Advocacy Skills Courses
This course is cross-listed in the following categories:
Litigation and Procedure
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Readers:
No reader.
Books:
Required Books are in blue
- Effective Depositions 2nd ed.
Henry L. Hecht
Edition: 2nd ed. (2010)
Publisher: American Bar Association (ABA)
ISBN: 9781604429060
Copyright Date: To Be Determined
Price: To Be Determined
