Integrating Skills and Knowledge: from courtroom to classroom

1
Integrating Skills and Knowledge from courtroom
to classroom

• James Griffiths and Paul McKeown
• ICSL, City University Law School

2
The BVC

• Vocational stage of training for barristers
• Terms one and two
• 3 knowledge subject modules
• 5 skills subject modules
• Term three
• 2 skills subject modules
• 2 options subject modules

3
The Advanced Criminal Litigation Module

• 6 Large Group Sessions
• 6 Small Group Sessions
• Single Practical Training Exercise (PTX)

4
The Advanced Criminal Litigation Module

• Realism
• Integration of knowledge and skills
• Ownership of preparation/performance
• Masters-Level

5
Realism

• Real names
• Real places
• Authentic documentation
• Credible scenarios
• Organic structure

6
Integration of Knowledge and Skills

• Compartmentalization
• Students fail to see the whole picture
• Students fail to integrate skills and knowledge
• Solution
• Integration of various topics covered within a
  module
• Integration of knowledge and skills

7
Ownership of Work

• Single brief
• Written Preparation scrutinised in
• class
• Presentations and advocacy
• exercises

8
Masters-Level

• Systematic understanding of legal knowledge
• Original and practical approaches to skills and
  knowledge
• Critical evaluation and conceptual understanding
  for professional work