Evidence in a Courtroom Setting (JS 633)

Tuition

1979

Conference Fee

549

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Days & Times

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This course is open to judges and attorneys.

Course Location

Washington, D.C.

Course Fees

Tuition

$1979

Conference Fee

$549

Washington, D.C.

October 6, 2025 to October 9, 2025

This is a highly interactive course in which judges and attorneys from different jurisdictions and backgrounds can openly and vigorously review, discuss, and apply the rules of evidence against the backdrop of common factual scenarios.

Topics include: ethical issues, the exercise of judicial discretion, judicial notice, relevance and special rules of relevance, witnesses, impeachment, lay and expert opinion, hearsay and its exceptions, including authentication and admissibility of electronic evidence, and constitutional evidentiary issues.

This course is open to judges and attorneys. Judges and attorneys will have separate breakout discussion groups.

2 credits

towards degree programs

Tuition

Course $1979

Conference Fee $549

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Scholarship assistance makes NJC courses more affordable for judges.

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What will I learn?

During this course, you will learn to:

  • Embrace and demonstrate the proper role of judges and attorneys in the evidentiary process;
  • Incorporate appropriate mechanisms to use when exercising judicial discretion as required by specific rules of evidence;
  • Develop a framework for analyzing all evidentiary issues, including novel ones, that is consistent with the underlying purposes of the rules of evidence;
  • Confidently, efficiently, fairly, and correctly apply the rules of evidence in a myriad of recurring situations
  • Review and employ rules of evidence that apply in common and novel, developing situations; and
  • Build a clear and concise record of evidentiary rulings that will withstand appellate review.

Why should I take this course?

Judges should have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the rules of evidence that apply in their jurisdiction and be able to apply those rules competently and efficiently. Judges who are well-versed in the applicable rules and who have developed a framework for dealing with evidentiary matters, both fairly and efficiently, can better manage their dockets, while contributing to an overall positive image of the judicial system as an effective dispute resolution mechanism. Participants in this course will not only discuss, review, and reflect upon the rules of evidence, but will also apply them as they would in a courtroom setting. 

Who should attend?

This course is appropriate for all judges who preside over trials and attorneys.

Who are the members of the faculty?

The faculty for this course are judges and former judges who have a wide and diverse background and experience presiding over civil and criminal cases and law professors who specialize in teaching evidence.

How is this course taught?

The faculty use a number of adult education techniques including lecture, discussion, and group study, but primarily this course is taught using a problem-solving method during which judges are called upon to make rulings and discuss their rationale for their rulings. 

What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?

This course will enhance and increase your ability to handle evidentiary issues in a more efficient and speedy manner and to avoid costly and time consuming mistrials and reversals.

Whom should I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.

This course qualifies for 2 credits toward the Master of Judicial Studies Degree Program and Judicial Studies Doctoral Program at the University of Nevada, Reno upon successful completion of the course and passing the course exam. In addition, this course qualifies for The National Judicial College Certificate in Judicial Development program General Jurisdiction Trial Skills, Special Court Trial Skills and Tribal Judicial Skills disciplines. CLE/CJE credit hour estimates* are 23 hours total credits with 2 hours of credits devoted to ethics. *Estimated credits are subject to change based upon final agenda provided on start date of course.

Register Now.

Topics include: ethical issues, the exercise of judicial discretion, judicial notice, relevance and special rules of relevance, witnesses, impeachment, lay and expert opinion, hearsay and its exceptions, including authentication and admissibility of electronic evidence, and constitutional evidentiary issues.

This course is open to judges and attorneys. Judges and attorneys will have separate breakout discussion groups.

Register
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