LAW 0700:
Tort Litigation and Trial Practice: SEPTA
Fall 2020 • Section F21
• CRN 27577
Course Description
Students represent SEPTA in handling its large and diversified tort case load. Students will advance their advocacy and litigation skills in preparing and presenting cases in the hearings before arbitration panels of the Court of Common Pleas. SEPTA appears both as a plaintiff when it seeks recovery for damages to its property and as a defendant when it is sued for first party or no-fault benefits, or in some instances, for third party pain and suffering. Each student will be expected to try several cases. Students are given assignments in various aspects of pretrial discovery and litigation, such as depositions, the preparation of witnesses, and the negotiation of settlements. Instruction in substantive (tort) law and procedures relevant to each trial/hearing, statutes and principles of Pennsylvania common carrier law will also be given.Note: Certification under Rules 321 and 322 of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is required.
Schedule
| Day/Time | Location | Note |
|---|---|---|
| W 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | TBA | see registration notes for additional time requirements |
Additional Time Requirements
Full day Wednesdays and one other morning for court appearances. Students will arbitrate cases and are expected to complete a minimum of 10 hours each week of the semester of experiential work, classroom learning, or out of class assignments. Students must be able to dedicate one morning a week in addition to Wednesday to participate in this course.
Registration Info
Registration Notes
Classroom: Wednesday mornings but remain after class all day at SEPTA. First class at the Arbitration Center.
Pre-Requisites
You must have completed the following courses before enrolling in this course:
- LAW 0460 (Trial Advocacy I ) or LAW 0558 (Introduction to Trial Advocacy)
- LAW 0540 (Evidence) (C or better)