BPTC Advocacy Skills 2

Question 1

In magistrates' court advocacy, what is the correct order of a summary trial?

Accepted Answer

Prosecution opening, prosecution evidence, defence evidence, closing speeches

Answer

Defence opening, prosecution evidence, defence evidence, closing speeches

Answer

Prosecution evidence, prosecution opening, defence evidence, verdict

Answer

Defence evidence, prosecution evidence, closing speeches

Question 2

What is the purpose of a 'bad character' application under the Criminal Justice Act 2003?

Accepted Answer

To admit evidence of a defendant's or witness's previous misconduct

Answer

To exclude a defendant's previous good character

Answer

To challenge the credibility of an expert witness

Answer

To apply for a stay of proceedings

Question 3

Which advocacy skill is most important when making a bail application?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and addressing the specific grounds the court is concerned about

Answer

Using technical legal jargon to impress the court

Answer

Reading the full custody record aloud

Answer

Repeating the client's instructions verbatim

Question 4

When examining a witness in chief, leading questions are generally:

Accepted Answer

Prohibited on disputed matters

Answer

Permitted on all matters

Answer

Required for hostile witnesses

Answer

Obligatory for expert witnesses

Question 5

What is the 'Browne v Dunn' rule as applied in English advocacy?

Accepted Answer

If you intend to contradict a witness, you must put the contradiction to them in cross-examination

Answer

Hearsay evidence must be disclosed before trial

Answer

An advocate must not comment on silence

Answer

Expert evidence must be agreed before trial

Question 6

A barrister's closing speech in a Crown Court trial should primarily:

Accepted Answer

Draw together the evidence and apply it to the legal directions the judge will give

Answer

Introduce new evidence not raised during the trial

Answer

Repeat verbatim the opening speech

Answer

Summarise the opposing side's arguments favourably