The purpose of this cluster, offered in Fall and Spring, is to develop oral and written advocacy skills with the short-term goal of participating in the National Native American Law Students Association Moot Court Competition. The long-term goal is to familiarize students with appellate advocacy through the stages of legal research, writing, and oral argument with emphasis on appellate advocacy for Tribal clients on Federal Indian law or Tribal law issues. In the fall, students will focus on persuasive writing, legal research, and how to organize and draft a brief, as well as becoming familiar with the format and expectations of oral arguments before appellate bodies. The students will draft a brief during the fall semester. In the Spring, students will rewrite their brief and practice oral argument skills by focusing on rhetorical devices, stylistic considerations, and responding to questions from a panel of Judges while rebutting opposing arguments as they prepare for the Moot Court Competition. Students will receive feedback from Instructors and will have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers and practice with guest judges.

Additional Information:
Credit Hours: 2
Grading Option: Pass/Fail Only
Written Assignment: Yes, see course description
Graduation Writing Requirement: No
Flexible/Upper-Level Writing Requirement: Yes
Skills Requirement: No
Simulation Course: No
Experiential Learning: No
Seminar: No
Special Withdrawal Course: No
Final Exam Given: No
Attendance Policy: Per Statement Of Student Policies
Teaching Method: In Person

* The law school has a policy that is used to calculate credit hours. Please see the Statement of Student Policies.