2023 Program Schedule
Registration for the 2023 Evidence Program is now open. Earn up to 10 MCLE Credits.
Registration Deadline: April 28, 2023 at 11:59 PM
Evidence Lecture Series
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 and Thursday, May 4, 2023
Check-In: 5:00 p.m.
Lecture: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
James M. Carter & Judith N. Keep
United States Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room
333 West Broadway, San Diego
Evidence Workshops
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 and Thursday, May 11, 2023
Check-In: 5:00 p.m. for Courtroom Assignment
Workshop: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
San Diego Superior Court, Central Courthouse
1100 Union Street, San Diego
Learn and practice how to properly handle evidence while receiving coaching from experienced attorneys.
The Evidence Program teaches proper recognition and handling of common evidence issues through dynamic lectures and demonstrations and then provides attorneys the opportunity to practice those skills in small workshop settings where they receive individualized coaching from experienced trial attorneys and trial court judges.
About the Evidence Program
The Evidence Program is traditionally held in the Spring. Judge Robert Trentacosta, a former San Diego Superior Court Presiding Judge and well-respected legal educator, presents a two-part lecture on the rules of evidence. Experienced trial attorneys then demonstrate the best way to enter and object to evidence. Lecturers discuss the rules of evidence with a focus on proper procedures and etiquette for the courtroom.
Enrollees receive a softbound copy of the California Evidence Code and a trial manual containing original case files drafted specifically for the College of Trial Advocacy. Participants will learn the intricacies of admitting evidence, as well as when and how to make appropriate objections.
Following the lecture portion of the program, senior members of both the San Diego County Bench and Bar will then conduct two nights of intensive, small-group workshops limited to six enrollees paired in teams of two.
Enrollees will conduct direct and cross-examination of witnesses and then receive immediate feed-back that will allow them to put into practice what they have learned at their next trial. Participants will also practice introducing various exhibits and learn to make appropriate objections.
"The San Diego Inn of Court Evidence Workshop is hands down one of the best courses any attorney can attend. This applies to new attorneys and veteran attorneys as well. As a new lawyer, I was able to learn from the Judges who I would inevitably be trying my cases in front of. This course helps attorneys understand how to meet and beat objections from the people who will be ruling on these objections. There is a right way and wrong way. Its best to learn the right way early."
Kris Mukherji, Esq.