How to Run a Jury Trial 2024

In this hands-on, how-to workshop, you will learn step-by-step the practical aspects of preparing for and conducting a jury trial. You will be challenged to examine why, when and how you tackle the various stages involved.

Topics covered:

Preparing for the trial

• Dealing with the documents – disclosure (prosecution and defence), exhibits, preparing a trial file
• Developing the theory of the case
• Preliminary interviews, inspecting the scene, identifying the issues, who should be called
• The Criminal Procedure Act 2012
• Preparation – from election to trial
• Pre-trial applications
• Trial callover
• Final preparation
• Exploring resolutions other than by trial
• Experts and private investigators, when to engage the experts and the type of inquiries that can be made.

Conducting the trial itself

• Further pre-trial preparation (s 9 agreements)
• Trial procedure
• Dealing with witnesses
• Calling the defendant
• Openings and closings, leading evidence, cross-examination
• Ethical issues
• What the bench expects – hear from a local District Court Judge.

Learning objectives

By attending this workshop you will:

• Understand how to prepare for and conduct a jury trial.
• Learn how to organise case materials, prepare for the different stages, and how to recognise and evaluate the various options available.

Format

A range of teaching and learning techniques will be used including small group work.

Who should attend

This workshop is a must for all practitioners who see themselves as specialising in criminal law, who are already on the level one legal aid list and are seeking inclusion in the level two legal aid list, or have recently been appointed to the level two legal aid list.

Note: Numbers are limited so register early.

Materials

Participants will receive background materials in advance. The text Introduction to Advocacy is a useful resource. Registrants can purchase it for the discounted price of $92 + $10 p&p (normally $132.50). Limited supply available. See below to order

Timing

• Day 1: 9.00am - 5.30pm

Fee (incl GST)

Law Society Members benefit from up to 30% off

Workshop

• $675 - Law Society members & associate members
• $875 - Non-members

Do you want to register more than one person for this course? Use the multiple registration button below or Click here 

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available through the Douglas Wilson Advocacy Scholarship Trust. Applications for assistance must be received by: 5pm on Monday 26 August 2024.
Late applications cannot be considered.

Please note: You must still register to attend this course, either online or by completing a registration form.

Download a Douglas Wilson Advocacy Scholarship Trust application form

Download PDF registration form

Presenters

Emma Priest Augusta Chambers, Auckland Emma holds a BA (psyc) LLB and an LLM (1st) from The University of Auckland. She is a facilitator at the NZLS CLE Stepping Up and Litigation Skills Programmes and a representative at the Law Society stakeholders’ meetings. Emma is on the NZBA Criminal Law committee, the executive of the Criminal Bar Association and is the convener of The Law Association Parole and Prisoner Rights committee. She founded The Good Lawyer, has a passion for penal reform, prisoners’ rights and criminal justice issues and writes occasionally for the NZ Herald. Emma also loves forensic science in the courtroom, evidence law and name suppression.

Craig Ruane Te Pōhue Chambers, Christchurch Craig was admitted in 1980, was a senior prosecutor with the Crown Solicitor’s Office in Christchurch and now practises as a barrister. He has coordinated the NZLS CLE Duty Lawyer Training Programme in Christchurch, and presented the Sentencing and Pleas in Mitigation sessions at the Introduction to Criminal Law Practice Workshop. A faculty member of the NZLS CLE Litigation Skills Programme, Craig was the director of the 2006, 2010 and 2013 programmes. He was recently appointed a Judge of the Court Martial Appeal Court.

Comments from past attendees

• "Excellent and informative. Brought expertise through experience to the presentation, with open and engaging tuition."
• "I was impressed with the volume and depth of detail covered in the 7hrs - overall a great resource from “hands on” experts."

Endorsements

"We encourage practitioners who are on level one and seeking appointment to level two, or recently appointed to level two, to attend and take this opportunity to learn from the experts – it is so much better than “learning on the job”." – The Legal Services Committee of The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa.

Cancellation and refund policy

You may cancel your registration eight working days in advance of an event, and you will receive a refund less a 25% administration fee. If you cancel less than eight working days in advance of the event, no refund is payable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another person. If you wish to do so you must advise CLE in writing of the change. NZLS CLE Ltd reserves the right to close registrations and cancel or reschedule an event as necessary. Where an event is cancelled by CLE, a full refund is payable.