Criminal Trial & Advocacy Skills Certificate

The Criminal Trial & Advocacy Skills Certificate at GB Law School and Research Center is designed to equip students with the essential skills required for effective criminal litigation. The course focuses on developing practical advocacy techniques, trial preparation, and courtroom procedures, enabling participants to confidently represent clients in criminal cases. With a blend of theory and hands-on practice, this course is ideal for aspiring criminal lawyers, legal practitioners, and students aiming to specialize in criminal law.

Course Fee Structure

  • Regular Courses

    • Standard Fee: PKR 90,000
    • Discounted Fee: PKR 45,000 (after a 50% discount)

 

  • Duration: 3-Months

Intensive Practical Training Program

    • Monthly Fee: PKR 15,000

For more details and course enrollment, please get in touch with our admissions team.

Who Should Enroll?

This course is ideal for:

  • Law students in their final year of study.
  • Recent graduates seeking a career in criminal law.
  • Legal practitioners looking to improve their courtroom advocacy skills.
  • Paralegals and legal assistants interested in criminal trial procedures.

Start your journey to the Bar with GB Law School and Legal Research Center.

Course Modules

Month 1 : Foundations of Criminal Trial Practice

Week 1

Introduction to Criminal Advocacy & Courtroom Etiquette

  • Overview of criminal trial stages (FIR to judgment)
  • Courtroom decorum, dress code, and addressing the bench
  • Ethics in criminal litigation (defense vs. prosecution roles)

Week 2

Case Analysis & Charge Framing

  • Reading FIRs, charge sheets, and police diaries
  • Understanding offenses under IPC, CrPC, and special laws
  • Drafting & challenging charges under Sections 218–221 of the CrPC

Week 3

Bail Applications & Early-Stage Motions

  • Anticipatory bail (Section 438 CrPC) vs. regular bail (Section 437 CrPC)
  • Opposing & securing bail: Arguments and precedents
  • Quashing petitions (Section 482 CrPC)

Week 4

Criminal Complaints & Pleadings

  • Private complaint drafting (Section 200 CrPC)
  • Protest petitions & reinvestigation requests
  • Applications for discharge & framing of charges

Month 2: Trial Strategy & Witness Examination

Week 5

Examination-in-Chief (Prosecution/Defense Witnesses)

  • Structuring direct examination for maximum impact
  • Preparing witnesses for testimony
  • Using documents & material objects (Sections 292–294 CrPC)

Week 6

Cross-Examination Techniques

  • Impeaching credibility (prior inconsistencies, bias)
  • Handling hostile witnesses (Section 154 Indian Evidence Act)
  • The art of controlled questioning

Week 7

Expert Witnesses & Scientific Evidence

  • Impeaching credibility (prior inconsistencies, bias)
  • Handling hostile witnesses (Section 154 Indian Evidence Act)
  • The art of controlled questioning

Week 8

Closing Arguments & Sentencing Hearings

  • Persuasive summation techniques
  • Mitigation & aggravation arguments
  • Victim impact statements & sentencing precedents

Month 3: Advanced Advocacy & Trial Simulation

Week 9

Special Procedures & Appeals

  • Sessions vs. magistrate trials
  • Revision & appeal drafting
  • Death penalty case advocacy

Week 10

Mock Trial I (Theft/Assault Case)

  • Reading FIRs, charge sheets, and police diaries
  • Understanding offenses under IPC, CrPC, and special laws
  • Drafting & challenging charges under Sections 218–221 of the CrPC

Week 11

Mock Trial II (Murder Trial)

  • Anticipatory bail (Section 438 CrPC) vs. regular bail (Section 437 CrPC)
  • Opposing & securing bail: Arguments and precedents
  • Quashing petitions (Section 482 CrPC)

Week 12

Final Assessment & Capstone

  • Graded Trial: Complete criminal case before retired judge
  • Error-Spotting Exercise: Identifying procedural flaws
  • Career Session: Interaction with practising criminal lawyers

Key Training Methods:

  • Live Court Visits: Observing actual criminal trials
  • “Witness Lab”: Role-playing witnesses with feedback
  • AI-Powered Simulation: Virtual cross-examination drills
  • Judge’s Chambers: Debrief sessions with magistrates

Assessment Criteria:

    • Weekly performance in:
      • Legal argumentation (30%)
      • Witness control (25%)
      • Procedural compliance (25%)
      • Courtroom presence (20%)
    • Final trial scored by panel (practitioners + judges)

    • Outcome: Graduates will be equipped for:
    • Criminal litigation practice (defense/prosecution)
    • Judicial clerkships
    • Human rights litigation roles

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will:

  • Develop a strong understanding of criminal trial procedures and courtroom dynamics.
  • Master the art of delivering compelling opening and closing statements.
  • Learn effective cross-examination and witness-handling techniques.
  • Gain insights into criminal law strategies and defense mechanisms.
  • Understand the ethical responsibilities and professional conduct required in criminal cases.
  • Participate in mock trials to gain real-world advocacy experience.

Course Modules

Introduction to
Criminal Litigation

Overview of criminal law principles and court structures. Key stages of criminal proceedings.

Advocacy
Techniques

Building persuasive arguments. Drafting opening and closing statements.

Cross-Examination &
Witness Handling

Techniques for questioning witnesses effectively. Strategies for handling hostile witnesses.

Criminal Defense
Strategies

Understanding various defenses in criminal cases. Practical case studies on defense approaches.

Ethical Conduct in
Criminal Trials

Ethical obligations in representing clients in criminal cases. Managing client expectations and professional responsibility.

Mock
Trials

Role-playing real-world criminal trials. Simulated courtroom settings for hands-on experience

Why Choose GB Law School and Research Center?

At GB Law School, we prioritize practical learning through experienced instructors who have extensive backgrounds in criminal litigation. Our course structure offers students hands-on trial experience, allowing them to develop the advocacy skills needed to excel in the courtroom. In addition, we provide networking opportunities with legal professionals and access to career counseling to help students transition into successful legal careers.

Course Duration & Format
  • Duration: 3 months, part-time
  • Format: Blended learning (Online theory sessions with on-campus workshops)
  • Assessment: Practical assignments, mock trials, and project-based evaluations.