The Introductory Course in Trial Advocacy focuses on preparation for trial, courtroom lawyering, direct examination, cross-examination, closing arguments and development of skill in the art and science of persuading the bench.  Would-be criminal trial advocates spent time in pre-trial planning and preparation on 17 July in an effort to persuade the bench on 18 July that "Ms Day" was trying to frame her boss, "Mr Thompson", for stealing R3 000 that was supposedly in her bag after she returned from leave, or that "Mr Thompson" was a thieving Managing Director, broke and in dire need of R200 for a trip to the countryside.

From the feedback from the major role players in this course - judiciary, members of the Pretoria Bar and law students – the course was again a huge success. 

In his letter of appreciation to the judiciary, members of the Pretoria Bar and the coordinators of the Faculty of Law, Adv John Mullins SC says “We started with these courses in 2010, and I think it’s fair to say that each one was successful, but that each one was more successful than the previous one.  And so, too, this year.  Last year, the students gave us 10 out of 10.  This year, they seem to be giving us 12 out of 10 (which to a lawyer, is mathematically perfectly possible).  Is it worth it to go to the University and offer them a course like this?  Of course it is!”

Dean André Boraine says that he “wishes to thank Adv John Mullins SC and his entire team as well as my colleagues, Prof Pieter Carstens and Dr Philip Stevens, for taking the initiative and making this course a great success.  The interest shown by esteemed members of the judiciary is also sincerely appreciated. In particular we treasure the continued support by former Deputy Judge President Willem van der Merwe, as well as the Judge President of the North and South Gauteng Divisions of the High Court, Dunstan Mlambo.  Also a word of appreciation to Judge Willie Hartzenberg for his continued involvement, and Judge Cynthia Pretorius who presided at the final session.  We hope to strengthen our ties with the judiciary in this way as well.  Well done to all, and I sincerely hope that we will continue to build on this solid relationship between the judiciary, the Faculty and the Pretoria Bar.  We have something unique going!"

Members from the Pretoria Bar that provided training are Adv Mike Maritz SC, Adv Piet van Niekerk SC, Adv Carlos da Silva SC, Adv Marc Leathern SC, Adv Norman Davis SC, Adv Etienne Labuschagne SC, Adv Russel Beaton SC, Adv Sarel Wagener SC, Adv Lourens de Koning SC, Adv Japie Maritz SC, Adv Gerhard Naudé, Adv Marius Snyman, Adv John Holland-Müter, Adv Jasper Vlok, Adv Riani Ferreira, Adv Rob Foden, Adv Etienne Botha and pupils.  The Faculty's Prof Pieter Carstens and Dr Philip Stevens coordinated this event and Mr Willem Gravett participated in the training programme.