BPTC Advocacy and Oral Skills

Question 1

During examination-in-chief, which type of question is generally NOT permitted?

Accepted Answer

Leading questions

Answer

Open questions

Answer

Closed questions

Answer

Clarifying questions

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of cross-examination in advocacy?

Accepted Answer

To test the reliability and credibility of the witness's evidence and to put your client's case

Answer

To allow the witness to expand on their evidence-in-chief

Answer

To introduce new evidence not previously disclosed

Answer

To ask the witness to speculate about events they did not witness

Question 3

What is the rule in Browne v Dunn (1893) and why is it important in advocacy?

Accepted Answer

It requires a party to put their case to an opponent's witness during cross-examination if they intend to contradict that witness's evidence

Answer

It allows a barrister to refuse to cross-examine a hostile witness

Answer

It prevents barristers from asking leading questions during examination-in-chief

Answer

It establishes the right to a closing speech in all criminal trials

Question 4

In a criminal trial at the Crown Court, who typically delivers the opening speech?

Accepted Answer

The prosecution barrister

Answer

The defence barrister

Answer

The judge

Answer

The court clerk

Question 5

What is a submission of no case to answer, and when is it made?

Accepted Answer

It is made at the close of the prosecution's case, arguing the evidence is insufficient for a reasonable jury to convict

Answer

It is made at the start of the trial to challenge jurisdiction

Answer

It is made after the jury has retired to consider its verdict

Answer

It is made during sentencing to argue for a lighter sentence

Question 6

Which of the following is an essential skill when making oral submissions to a judge?

Accepted Answer

Structuring submissions logically, citing relevant authorities, and being responsive to judicial interventions

Answer

Reading directly from a prepared script without deviation

Answer

Speaking as quickly as possible to cover more points

Answer

Avoiding eye contact with the judge to appear neutral