Advocacy Skills Flashcards
6 cards from real BPTC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Advocacy Skills flashcards as text
Which principle requires a barrister to present their client's case fearlessly while remaining within the bounds of the law?
Answer: Zealous advocacy
Zealous advocacy obliges a barrister to argue their client's case to the fullest extent permitted by law and professional rules.
What is the primary purpose of an opening speech in a Crown Court trial?
Answer: To outline the prosecution's case and the evidence the jury will hear
The opening speech gives the jury a roadmap of the case, explaining what evidence will be called and how it supports the prosecution's case.
Which technique involves asking short, closed questions that the witness must agree with in cross-examination?
Answer: Leading questioning
Leading questions suggest the answer within the question itself and are the standard tool in cross-examination to control the witness.
A barrister discovers mid-trial that their client has lied on oath. What must the barrister do?
Answer: Advise the client to correct the lie; if refused, withdraw
The barrister owes a duty of candour to the court; they must advise the client to correct the false evidence and, if the client refuses, must withdraw from the case.
What does 're-examination' allow the advocate to do?
Answer: Clarify matters arising from cross-examination only
Re-examination is limited to clarifying issues that arose during cross-examination; it cannot introduce new topics.
Which rule at the Bar requires a barrister to accept instructions in a field in which they practise, regardless of the client?
Answer: Cab rank rule
The cab rank rule means a barrister must accept any brief in a field they practise in, at a proper fee, so no client is denied representation.