Anatomy of a Police Deadly Force Jury Trial

Patricia Miller
April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13
Tuesdays, 4pm-6pm
Wellfleet Preservation Hall

This course is designed to allow non-lawyers to experience the inner workings of a federal jury trial by using as a guide an actual Civil Rights lawsuit against a police officer who fatally shot an individual.  Over five weeks participants will follow the trajectory of a federal jury trial from jury selection through verdict.  The class will explore evidence, including video, audio and photographic images.  Discussion topics we will explore include: why take such an emotionally charged case to trial; how does the press cover such cases; how to prepare an opening and summation. Participants may formulate and deliver their own openings/summations, if they want to give it a try. 

Please note that the course uses some graphic material such as crime scene photos.

• Class 1
  Introduction to the course
  Why take such a case to trial?
  Press coverage
  Start reviewing evidence

• Class 2
  Continue reviewing evidence
  Interviewing eyewitnesses
  Interviewing the officer

• Class 3
  Picking a jury
  Crafting and delivering opening statement
  Opportunity to deliver an opening (optional)
  Crafting and delivering direct and cross-examinations

• Class 4
  Continue direct and cross-examinations

• Class 5
  Closing arguments
  Participants deliver a closing (optional)
  Verdict and post-trial activities

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