Trial Advocacy Argue-On Competition

Each fall, the Trial Advocacy Program hosts an “Argue On Competition” to select new advocates.

This year, the Argue On Competition is Friday, September 9 to Sunday September 11. Applicants must first fill out an application and return to the Trial Ad mailbox folder across from Room 342 by September 7th at 8:00 PM. Extra applications are in that mailbox as well. Once the application is turned in, the applicant will be notified via email of the side they will argue (prosecution or defense) and what witness they will cross-examine. The applicant will be given an Argue-On time for either September 9, 10 or 11. Those who may have time conflicts are encouraged to apply early as the time slots are on a first come-first serve basis.

For the actual Argue-On Competition applicants must prepare an opening statement (no more than 8 minutes) and a cross-examination (no more than 4 minutes). The applicant must prepare their opening and cross from the fact pattern/problem, State of Quinnipiac v. Richard Talcott. Once students apply, they will be notified via email as to what side (prosecution or defense) they will be arguing and what witness they will cross-examine. Applicants will be given their opening and cross to the executive board who will then judge the applicant based on their advocacy skills, not their knowledge or “expertise” of the substantive law/issues in the fact pattern. While applicants must know the basic facts of the pattern/problem, applicants are encouraged to focus more on their advocacy skills and tactics (speech, voice, tone, gesture, movement, persuasion, poise, etc.) instead of getting bogged down with minute details.

All new advocates will be chosen Monday, September 12. A list will be posted by 10:00 PM on the 3rd floor Trial Ad Board. If you have any questions or concerns please contact trialad@loyno.edu. 

Good Luck!