MVV395K Introduction to Criminal Law and Trial by Jury in the United States

Faculty of Law
Spring 2026
Extent and Intensity
0/1/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Hon. Kathleen Lang (seminar tutor), prof. JUDr. Ing. Michal Radvan, Ph.D. (deputy)
prof. JUDr. Ing. Michal Radvan, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. JUDr. Ing. Michal Radvan, Ph.D.
Faculty of Law
Contact Person: Mgr. Věra Redrupová, B.A.
Supplier department: Faculty of Law
Timetable of Seminar Groups
MVV395K/01: Mon 23. 3. 12:00–13:40 040, Tue 24. 3. 12:00–13:40 040, Wed 25. 3. 12:00–13:40 040, Thu 26. 3. 12:00–13:40 040, 14:00–15:40 040, Fri 27. 3. 8:00–9:40 040, 10:00–11:40 040
Prerequisites
MP215Zk Introduction to EU and International Law
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 24 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 21/24, only registered: 0/24
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 60 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Abstract
This course will provide an overview of Jury Trials in the United States. There will be a general overview of the history and legal foundations for trials by jury. Students will use a case file that will be discussed throughout the class. Jury selection, opening statements, direct examination, cross examination and closing argument will be discussed with emphasis on presenting a trial to a jury. Presentation of evidence and case analysis will also be covered. At the end of the class students will do a mock trial of the case file incorporating the trial skills discussed.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Understand the history and structure of a Jury Trial.
2. Read a case file and complete a case analysis.
3. Show knowledge of selecting a jury, presenting an opening statement, direct and cross examination, and closing argument.
4. Students will be familiar with presenting and challenging evidence.
5. Participate in a mock trial using the trial skills discussed.
Key topics
  • 1. AN OVERVIEW OF THE JURY TRIAL IN THE UNITED STATES LEGAL SYSTEM: TRIAL BY JURY Part 1– Discussion of the history of jury trials; the part they play in the American justice system; when they are available, and how they are different from a bench trial. The basic structure of a jury trial will be covered with discussion of what happens before a jury trial and how a jury is selected. Case Analysis will be introduced
  • 2. TRIAL BY JURY Part 2 – The trial begins - Opening statements to the Jury; structure, goal, and rules. The State’s Case – Types of Evidence and how it is admitted through Direct Examination of witnesses. Procedure and strategy for presentation of direct examination to a jury. Discussion of the role of case analysis.
  • 3. TRIAL BY JURY Part 3 – Explanation of Cross Examination, opposing counsel tests the evidence presented during direct examination. Procedure and strategy for presentation of cross examination to a jury. Role of case analysis. Defendant’s decision on whether to present evidence and the effect on the jury. Closing argument; purpose, structure, goal, and guidelines. The role of making inferences from the evidence.
  • 4. Jury Trial 1 – State v Peyton – Mock jury trial
  • 5. Jury Trial 2 – State v Peyton – Mock jury trial
Study resources and literature
  • Case file of a criminal case, Articles on the topics covered in the course.
Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching
Lecture, instruction, mock jury trial
Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements
Students will participate in a mock trial and complete a case analysis of the trial file. They will also submit related written summaries as assigned.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught only once.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2024, Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/law/spring2026/MVV395K