BPTC Advocacy Skills 3

Question 1

Which of the following is a proper ground for objecting to a question in cross-examination?

Accepted Answer

The question calls for inadmissible hearsay

Answer

The question is unflattering to the witness

Answer

The question is difficult for the witness to answer

Answer

The question is longer than two sentences

Question 2

What is the significance of a 'no case to answer' submission in a criminal trial?

Accepted Answer

The defence submits that even on the prosecution's best case, no reasonable tribunal could convict

Answer

The defence argues that the prosecution evidence is inadmissible

Answer

The defence applies to exclude bad character evidence

Answer

The defendant chooses not to give evidence

Question 3

Under the BSB Handbook, a barrister must not deceive or knowingly or recklessly mislead which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The court

Answer

Only the opposing party

Answer

Only the client

Answer

Only witnesses

Question 4

What does 'putting your case' in cross-examination require?

Accepted Answer

Putting your client's version of disputed facts to the opposing witness

Answer

Reading your skeleton argument to the witness

Answer

Asking the witness to agree with every point in your skeleton

Answer

Giving evidence yourself through questions

Question 5

An advocate in the Court of Appeal discovers an authority directly against their argument. What should they do?

Accepted Answer

Draw the court's attention to it and distinguish or concede it

Answer

Ignore it and hope the judges do not find it

Answer

Ask the court for an adjournment to find a better authority

Answer

Withdraw from the case immediately

Question 6

In a sentencing hearing, an effective plea in mitigation should:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the offence, highlight mitigating factors, and propose a proportionate disposal

Answer

Deny the offence even after conviction

Answer

Focus exclusively on the victim's conduct

Answer

Argue that the sentencing guidelines do not apply